Enchanted Serendipity Travel ~ Film Locations ~ Life Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:33:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 101849972 Shacky – Glamping In A Tiny House In The Yarra Valley https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/shacky-glamping-in-a-tiny-house-in-the-yarra-valley/ Fri, 28 Feb 2020 03:36:18 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=8127 Looking for a weekend completely surrounded by nature? Waking up to the sounds of kookaburras, cows and the soft breeze during the early morning sunrise? Or maybe you want to sleep in a remote, off grid, “glamping” accommodation which truly allows you to recharge, reflect and reconnect with yourself or another? Shacky is the answer. […]

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Looking for a weekend completely surrounded by nature? Waking up to the sounds of kookaburras, cows and the soft breeze during the early morning sunrise?

Or maybe you want to sleep in a remote, off grid, “glamping” accommodation which truly allows you to recharge, reflect and reconnect with yourself or another?

Shacky is the answer.

 

What Is Shacky?

Shacky is an authentic tiny house accommodation in Australia which allows travelers to have a proper vacation away from the hustle and bustle of life. It is as quaint as it looks and is a true gem of a holiday. One you won’t soon forget.

Shacky was actually a somewhat unknown accommodation for me until late 2019, but is one which is slowly gathering momentum in Victoria, Australia – my home state. Shacky currently offers 3 locations in Victoria as of February 2020: one in Ocean Grove – on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula; another in the Yarra Valley – surrounded by the best of Victoria’s wine country; and lastly in the Grampians – a perfect region for nature lovers to explore.

Recently, I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy the wine option of the “Shacky Yarra Valley”. Located near the township of Yellingbo, it was an amazing experience! But for me, it is the story behind how I managed to stay at this Shacky for no cost, which truly warmed my heart and reminded me of the kindness we can all extend to each other anytime. In October 2019, my younger sister Nikki lost her almost 2 year battle with breast cancer. This journey was hard and mentally taxing, but the time which followed her ceasing treatment and having to say goodbye were the hardest months of my life given she was only 31 years old and my only sister. So a weekend here was calling me after everything I had endured. I needed a relaxed getaway.

Yarra Valley Shacky Fields of Grass

 

How I Stayed At Shacky For No Cost

When a colleague of mine made a booking with Shacky in October, she happened to show me the photos of the accommodation and ultimately introduced me to the “Shacky” brand because of what I love to do – travel. Especially, locally.

Shacky looked so cool and I was so jealous of her plans. Plus I love the Yarra Valley on any occasion and always try and get out there on weekends. However, a few days before her booking was due to take place, she called me and said she couldn’t make it anymore as her dog needed to have emergency surgery. She and her husband offered it to me, free of charge. I of course offered them something for it, but it was refused. Ultimately, they just wanted someone to enjoy the accommodation because they couldn’t go anymore. And I could. How amazing right?

Shacky Yarra Valley

 
Had this cancellation occurred two weeks before their stay was due they would have been able to re-book under Shacky’s booking conditions. But because they were a few days out – they could only transfer their booking, which is understandable. 

A few days later, overnight bags were packed to head away for a glorious weekend in the Yarra Valley. Wine was calling and relaxation was on the cards. As my colleague had transferred the booking to me with Shacky, I had an email with a “guest guide to the Yarra Valley” already in my email. This guide offered me everything I needed to know about my stay, including the most important of information I would need to have a good stay:
The Address Of The Shacky – You don’t find out the exact location of the Shacky until you book; just the region it belongs to. But once I had the address, the Shacky was not hard to find, and the road itself was marked with a Shacky sign which made it easy to spot.
The Check In and Check Out Times – The Shacky has a 3pm check in – 11am check out, which is standard to most accommodations in general.
Accessing The Shacky – You don’t meet the owners of the Shacky when checking in – but their information is available in the Shacky and on the email should you encounter any problems. There was a small black box “safe” with a key inside on the exterior wall near the door. The code was provided in the email so you could open it and access the key.
Recommendations For The Area – Where to eat, where to drink and what to see nearby. All the good stuff we travelers need when exploring an unfamiliar area.
What’s Provided In The Shacky – The Shacky provided fresh linen, bath towels, shower products, a mini fridge, cookware and utensils. The wine, cheese and strawberries, you will have to bring – but it will most definitely make your experience even more memorable if you do!
Information On How Shacky Is Powered And Uses Electricity – Shacky is solar powered which is a great sustainability initiative. The air conditioning, fridge, speaker, lighting and awning all work off of this power, as well as any electrical outlets. The power works well, the phone service is very good because of where you are – but being mindful of your electricity use is paramount given the type of accommodation you are in and the solar aspect of it. You do not have unlimited power like a hotel.

 

Arriving At The Shacky

Yarra Valley Shacky

 
Finding the Shacky was easy. There were black signposts with the Shacky name directing you to the turnoff once you were on the road that the Shacky is located on. There is also a sign where the accommodation is too.

The gates were open and parking was situated just above the Shacky on a slight hill. It was all very simple to navigate. I tapped the code into the black box on the wall, collected the key inside and opened the Shacky up. As it was a very warm day, it was good to let the Shacky air out a little too, so opening the doors was beneficial. You did have to watch the flies though as they will stay inside if you don’t get them out.

 

What Does The Shacky Contain?

Yarra Valley Shacky Interiors

 
Shacky is a tiny house. It is compact and cute, with good use of storage. If you have never stayed in a tiny house, you are in for a treat. It is a really modern accommodation, with a rustic feel which adds to the charm of the whole experience.

 

The Shacky Bathroom

Shacky had a really nice bathroom – with a toilet, sink and shower. Even with limited space, it was quite spacious.

The colour scheme was good with a lot of black and grey, which made it feel very much like a boutique hotel. It was spacious too which was great, considering the size of the accommodation. It had all the features you would expect.

Yarra Valley Shacky Bathroom

 

 

The Shacky Living Area

Next to the bathroom was a bench seat with cushions.

This seat allowed for a place to sit and enjoy the views from the inside of the Shacky. Best of all, underneath this seat was a lot of storage – empty drawers that backpack sized items could fit inside, plus drawers with games – including bocce and jenga to alleviate boredom or just have some fun during your stay.

Yarra Valley Shacky Bench Seat

 

The Shacky Kitchen

The kitchen sat to the right of the bench seat. It had a deep sink, a drying rack, stovetop, kettle and ample bench space. All the major utensils were there, as well as boards and cookware. There is also a black kitchen table which is on wheels and pushes inside the kitchen countertop to ensure space is utilized here. You can roll it out to use it and sit on the wooden boxes which sit inside the Shacky to offer more sitting space when eating, or even cooking.

There is a mini fridge to store your food in – but I do recommend buying a bag of ice to put in the sink if you want your drinks or food ice cold on warm days. It made things chill a lot quicker and you can buy a cheap bag at the local Woolworths.

Yarra Valley Shacky Table

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Table Pulled Out

 
For the best experience make sure you bring wine, cheese, oil, vinegar, salami and fruit for your cheese platter board. A nice board of food items makes it a great way to relax. I also brought milk, eggs and flour to cook up some crepes for breakfast. (I have a crepe pan which I brought with me). Add some nutella and strawberries and it was perfection. I did notice that oil, coffee and tea was provided along with some small packs of milk.

My favourite wineries here by the way were Innocent Bystander – the Moscato and Tempranillo are stand outs. Helen and Joey do a great Blanc De Blanc too! If you can stop in on any of them before your visit you won’t be sorry! But the Tempranillo may just make your stay.

Yarra Valley Shacky Kitchen

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Wine

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Crepes

 

The Shacky Bedroom

Next to the kitchen was the bed.

It is a double bed sized perfectly for two – and adds to the romance of the Shacky and it’s quaint feel. The linens are perfect, with a duvet, pillows and throw pillows.

The bed sits opposite two windows; a side window and a floor to ceiling window which looks out at the view. This full length window really makes you appreciate where you are and waking up in such a location. You really do feel like you are in another world when you lay there and just appreciate the views you have. It is just incredible and to start the day with a sunrise and endless rolling hills is just perfection.

Yarra Valley Shacky Bed From Above

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Bed Side View

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Bed From Side

 

Shacky Yarra Valley Views

 

The Shacky Exterior

The exterior of the Shacky was really nice. It has a bench so you can sit outside, plus a veranda so you are sitting elevated off the ground and in line with where the Shacky is.

The design really makes sitting outside quite nice and enjoyable. The doors fold out to open fully so the Shacky can really open up which is a nice feature.

Yarra Valley Shacky Exterior

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Exterior Doors Open

 

The Shacky Outdoor Area

To the left of the Shacky building was a fire pit and two chairs. Firewood was provided as was some outdoor cookware if you wanted to cook a bushman’s breakfast or dinner, which was nice.

Although the weather was very warm across both days, the nights were cool, so the fire was an added bonus to have and really capped off a lovely day. If it had been a total fire ban across this weekend it would have been really disappointing not to be able to have used the fire. But given the bushfires that were raging at the time across the country, it wouldn’t have been something I would have risked in any case.

Thankfully, it was able to be enjoyed.

Yarra Valley Shacky Firepit

 
This fire pit and seat arrangement of this outdoor area really added to the magical ambience of the location. The chairs are really comfortable to sit in too. I took my portable speaker which my phone could bluetooth to so music could be played while sitting out by the fire. Plus I didn’t use up any electricity either.

It was just a perfect night out amongst the stars and the cool night air – once the sun set of course. The sky was on fire, until then. What a place to watch the sun set. The photos included here have not been edited.

Yarra Valley Shacky Firepit At Sunset

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Pink Sunset

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Sunset View

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Firepit

 

Yarra Valley Shacky Night Shot

 

Overall Review Of Shacky Yarra Valley

Shacky was a completely new experience for me. I have never stayed in a tiny house but I really loved every aspect of it. Seeing how they utilize the storage of the Shacky, the quaint feel of the space and just the location for where it sits, was all perfect.

If you are wanting to get away from the world for a moment, be surrounded by nature or just have a romantic staycation outside Melbourne, then the Shacky Yarra Valley delivers all of this and more.

I feel so privileged that I was able to undertake this stay for my friends. But more so, I had one of the most memorable experiences here; one that I won’t soon forget. It was a weekend of wine, good food, amazing scenery and happy memories. It was everything I needed to see out 2019 and embrace the start of 2020. I can’t wait to try out the other locations soon.

Yarra Valley Shacky Sunset Views

 

Pin This For Your Next Yarra Valley Adventure!

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Carrying Currency Abroad – How To Avoid Losing Access To Your Money https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/avoid-losing-your-travel-money/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/avoid-losing-your-travel-money/#respond Fri, 06 Sep 2019 23:53:49 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=8049 So you have booked a trip to a far off land. Now, you can start to get excited! You plan your itinerary, book accommodations, trains, planes and automobiles and hopefully start to pay for some (or all) of your expenses before you get there (see below for which cards are best for that!) But how […]

The post Carrying Currency Abroad – How To Avoid Losing Access To Your Money appeared first on Enchanted Serendipity.

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So you have booked a trip to a far off land. Now, you can start to get excited!

You plan your itinerary, book accommodations, trains, planes and automobiles and hopefully start to pay for some (or all) of your expenses before you get there (see below for which cards are best for that!)

But how do you work out what to do with your currency once you have it? This is the question many travellers face. I see a lot of questions posted online about this very topic. The answers are often endless – people travel how they want to. But what advice should you listen to? Because let’s face it – many people make reckless choices and if you get caught in that worm hole – we can’t save you if you listen to it.

Instead of asking what to do with your currency, you should be asking these 4 questions and answering them with whatever answer makes you feel comfortable. It’s your vacation and if things go pear shaped you need to ensure you have thought about backup plans – and back up plans for back up plans! Seriously, I am not even joking!

 
1. What card currency options are there and which ones will give me the best return for my money?
2. How many currency options should I be using on my trip?
3. Should I take any foreign cash with me or rely on cards?
4. Where will I keep my currency when I travel? (At home and abroad)

 
Like I said, the answers to these will be different the more people you ask. But as someone who has traveled for over a decade, lived abroad twice and never lost access to my currency – though things have happened, or I have heard some horror stories – which remind me about why I am always prepared. I like to think my advice here is worth listening to.

 
Carrying Currency Abroad - How To Not Lose Access To Your Money Travel Cards
 

 

1. What Card Currency Options Are There & Which Ones Will Give Me The Best Return For My Money?

This question is complicated. But thanks to people like me, I have crunched the numbers in more detail than anyone. I have looked at the rates of each card and calculated the losses and came up with a pretty solid conclusion on which cards to rely on in 2019…and which ones to avoid.

Hot tip – stop converting currency with a Big 4 bank in Australia. Seriously. Their rates mostly SUCK! Yes they are competitive about some currencies. But not many of them. There are far more competitive cards out there. But if you have your heart set on a Big 4, make sure you fight them for their best rates – which you should do when converting large sums of money. They will offer better rates, but you will have to ask and it may not always happen. Plus many of them have ATM fees so that doesn’t help them. The losses with some of these banks are so BAD, I can’t fathom why people use some of them at all.

See my breakdown on travel cards for Aussie travellers here – its pretty comprehensive.

On top of my card recommendations, you need to factor in some things when using any travel cards:

 
Which cards have the best rate? (obviously)
Which cards have fees and what do they amount to?
Which companies are the best for my needs?
Should I pre-load money or use a debit card?

 
If you can consider all of that you will make the best decisions for your vacations. Just because something works for someone else, doesn’t mean it will work for you. And if you want to lock in money or prefer to have the market rate, this will also factor in to what you decide on. But I wouldn’t put all my money on one travel card, ever. That is completely ridiculous and very reckless behaviour for any traveler.

 

 

 

2. How Many Currency Options Should I Be Using On My Trip?

This is the most important question in my book.

I see a lot of advice out there about this – and some of it is very scary. Many people rely solely on cash. They take thousands and don’t use cards. They tell people this is what they do, and rave about it. Advice like this is valid if it’s what you actually do – but you do need to be very careful about the influence you can have on the decisions other people make. Reckless advice I have zero time for. Please determine what advice is sound and what is not before you travel. Especially if this is your first overseas trip. But to me, only taking cash is extremely ridiculous a notion. What if you are robbed? What if you lose it all? Will you be able to cover emergency costs should something happen beyond the amounts you have?

Many places also require credit cards for temporary holds – or you have to leave a decent chunk of cash on you instead to offset this – but why go through all that when holds rarely go through as transactions, and if they do the money is refunded anyway? Just take a second credit card. Easy.

Once you find the best currency option that works for you – in terms of cards, then think about how much cash you will take. But while cards are the safest option, you must also factor in when things go wrong, or when cards don’t work, your money is not accessible, or the million other things which can happen while you are away. This is exactly why I carry more than one card.

Here is my advice for what you should do:

Take at least 3 currency options.

-A Fee Free Credit Card
-A Fee Free Debit Card or Pre Loaded Travel Card
-Cash
-If You Want A 4th Backup – Take either an extra credit, debit card or pre loaded card with no money, but one you can put money on if needed. (You may not use this option though)

 
When I travel, these are the cards I use  – so in my defence, I actually have FIVE backup currency options.
 
Latitude 28 Degrees Global Platinum Mastercard
ING Everyday Debit Card 
Citibank Plus Everyday Debit Card
Transferwise Debit Card
Cash – I always purchase and get PRICE BEAT GUARANTEES and now, RATE MOVEMENT GUARANTEES with Travel Money Oz

Why do I use so many cards? There are many reasons for this. But all in all it is because I want BACKUPS. Actually, I’ll rephrase that, I don’t travel without backups.

28 Degrees Credit Card

I use my 28 degrees credit card because it is fee free – no international transaction fees, no worries and a $6000 AUD limit for me. You do need to pay it off in full every month to avoid fees, which are high if you end up getting them. Credit cards are a must have item because they will always work – especially if debit cards don’t. I don’t know how anyone travels without a credit card. When it comes to hotel or rental car holds, I use either this credit card or my other standard credit card – because the holds never go through and remain “pending” so you do not need to use fee free cards for these kind of transactions. But it’s safer to use a card you won’t be using as currency for holds in my opinion, to offset confusion on how much you’re spending, but it’s ok if you only have one credit card and want to use that for them. If you want to pre-book anything, this card is perfect for doing that too.

ING Everyday Debit Card

I use this card when traveling – as well as at home, because their saving account, the Savings Maximiser is outstanding for interest compared to any other Aussie bank. In order to get the bonus interest on your savings account, and to have your Everyday debit account card work as fee free anywhere in the world, you do need to transfer $1000 AUD into the everyday bank account from an external account, and make 5 transactions each month. Once you complete this, the following month is fee free – which is rebated back at the end of the month if you pay any fees.

If you are doing short trips this works well, but if you plan to be away for a long while and won’t have the $1000 AUD to transfer in each month, then it may not be an option that works as a travel card. I am heading overseas next year so I won’t be working, but I will have a build up of funds in an external account so I can transfer money into my ING account each month, and make the 5 transactions to get the rebates as I travel. ING is one of the most popular debit cards for Aussies. But, they are a debit card which means you get the live market rate, there is no pre-loading with them. Like the 28 degrees credit card, you can pre-pay a lot of things with this card if the dollar is at a good rate, or even use it for financing a working holiday in Canada or the UK if you can meet the conditions it requires.

Citibank Plus Everyday Debit Card

The Citibank debit card is slightly better than the ING card because there are zero conditions on using the card. However, they do not rebate fees at the end of the month – you just don’t pay them at all – unless you don’t use a Citibank ATM you may pay fees when withdrawing money. Overall, they are a great option and one I have used many times and loved. The Citibank card is a debit card, you can’t pre-load money with them – however their pre-loading card, the Citibank Global Wallet is a great pre-loading card with some of the best competitive rates across the board. I use a different pre-loading card as you’ll see below, but if I didn’t use this, I would be getting the Citibank Global Wallet for sure based on my number crunching on my best travel cards article I mentioned earlier. You can use either the Everyday card or Global Wallet for pre-paying anything online before you go too.

Transferwise Debit Card (Pre Load Cash Card)

I have been using Transferwise for almost 5 years now, when it was mainly a bank to bank transfer option for expats in particular. I started using it when I lived in Canada, and needed a way to transfer my AUD money into my CAD bank account. Though these days, I could have used my ING or Citi card – had it been available back then to get the market rate and spend my AUD in CAD without worrying.

If you want to lock in money, Transferwise is awesome. I love the card because as a blogger, I can earn money in different currencies so having this card is a godsend. Transferwise actually launched their debit card very recently in Australia, but the best thing about this card is that it gives you a LOCAL bank account in selected countries. Right now, I have local bank accounts in USD, NZD, GBP, EUR, and AUD. This means people can transfer money into any of these accounts if I share my bank details with them. Or I can transfer AUD into any of these accounts, as well as pre-loading into other currencies too. So if you want to lock in money, Transferwise allows you to do this but there are fees involved. Even so, the fee is very small that you get almost market rate with their cards, making them one of the best options in comparison to everything out there.

For instance, converting AUD to USD, Transferwise as of September 7, 2019 has a rate of 0.68500 making $100 AUD a total of $66.89 USD due to paying a $2.35 AUD fee. If you were to convert $1000 AUD the fee is only $6.56 AUD and you would get $680.51 USD overall.

If I was to convert $100 with Citibank Global it would be a rate of 0.6729 or $67.29 USD; $672.90 USD for $1000 AUD – a loss of $7.61 USD compared to Transferwise.

If I was to convert $100 AUD with Travel Money Oz it would be a rate of 0.6566 or $65.66 USD; $656.66 USD for $1000 AUD – a loss of $23.85 USD compared to Transferwise (though they do Price Beat Guarantee so they may beat it.)

Therefore, Transferwise is a really good option and I can’t rave about them any more. They have been a godsend to me as an expat and now as a traveler. Whether I purchase things when traveling, or before I go – this card is a great option for all of it. But the main message if you are pre-loading is not to pre-load all of your money onto one card – leave some AUD in your local bank account and use fee free debit cards too. Spread it out to ensure you have backups.

If you do go with Transferwise – use this link here to have your first transfer go through without paying any fees (up to 500 pounds worth, or the equivalent in your local currency).

Cash

I always take some local currency with me when traveling. I use Travel Money Oz because they Price Beat Guarantee – and have a higher rate for Cash than their Travel Card interestingly. Last week, I noticed they announced their Rate Move Guarantee, which offers anyone who goes in store (and asks for the FREE Rate Move Guarantee to be added to their purchase), a buffer of 14 days should the rate improve. If it goes higher than the rate you received – you can make a claim and they will put that money back into your personal bank account. This guarantee is only valid for particular currencies – but the main ones are all there.

I never take more than $1000 in local currency though, because the thought of losing more than this amount at the hands of a thief or me being careless or losing money is sickening. But if traveling to the US in particular, I always ensure I go over immediately with some $5 and $1 bills so I have some money for tips for the shuttle I take upon arrival at LAX – you can only really Uber if you have an active sim, but I tend to purchase a sim once I arrive as the deals are better than online in my experience. But you can purchase a sim card before you go through reputable companies like Sim Corner.

Depending on the country, taking cash may be something you need to do more of (do your research!) – due to the lack of debit and credit facilities, but you still should only carry small amounts at a time, and withdraw as needed – or before you arrive in a smaller city. It just makes sense.

So as you can see, my choices in covering all my bases are spot on. I have a credit card (plus a standard Aussie one as a backup to that – but only for HOLDS that don’t go through!), I have debit cards and pre loaded cards, plus cash. If I lose a card, I won’t have an issue with not having money. If a card is blocked by the bank for fraud – which can happen, I have backup cards until I can unblock it. If a card just decides not to work or money is skimmed – any of these can happen, then I still have access to money. You really need to ensure you always have access to a card when traveling anywhere so you aren’t left overseas with zero funds, cards and ways to pay for anything. I can electronically transfer money from my AUD bank account and have funds within a set period of time, or just use my credit card to tide me over. It is really that simple.

 

 

 

3. Should I Take Any Foreign Cash With Me Or Rely On Cards?

Given everything I just said in the area above, taking only cash as currency is a really bad idea.

You should always take some currency – but if you need more you can use an ATM and get more. Some countries you will need to carry cash on you – very small cities and towns may have limited card facilities. Or like when paying for petrol – you need to have a US zipcode in the States to use a card, so I ultimately have to leave cash with the operator, fill up and then receive my change as I have no idea how many gallons I need to fill my car when I am used to litres! Cash is a necessity for things like that!

But as I stated, I would not take any more than $1000 in the local currency and would spread it out among different places in my bags to ensure if something happened that I didn’t lose all of it. I have said before, that many people online will tell you to take just cash – this is a very reckless piece of advice. There is no need to carry such large quantities – especially if you have pre-paid a lot of things before you leave. And do bear in mind, carrying more than $10,000 cash in any currency can lead to issues for you anyway because it must be declared to customs and border patrol.

PLEASE NOTE:
Also remember that when you use a pre-loaded card – NEVER use these for hotel or car rental HOLDS, or paying for meals in a sit down restaurant you will be tipping in. You will end up LOSING access to the money that is on that card for a temporary amount of time. I had $1500 USD out of reach for 1 week when I went to Vegas in 2011 – the hold held our money in what caused a very stressful situation for us, but thankfully was released in time to pay for our NYC hotel. Holds are “pending” transactions and even if you use the card to then pay for this hotel stay, or that meal with a tip, you will cause a second transaction to occur before the pending money is released back. Therefore, when paying for a hotel, car hire or restaurant that involves tipping, please use a DEBIT card, CREDIT card or CASH when doing these purchases. Far less of a headache – and no need to sit and wait for money to return to your card. You cannot touch PENDING money until it returns to your card. Lesson LEARNED.

 
Carrying Currency Abroad Safely - How To Not Lose Access To Your Money Cash
 

 

4. Where Will I Keep My Currency When I Travel?

When it comes to carrying currency the age old question is where to keep it? At home, I keep it in a safe. Abroad, you have a number of options, but I like to divvy up cards and cash between wallets and place them in different parts of my bag, or in 2 different bags that I carry with me. NEVER place any of these currency items inside your checked bag though – many people have done this and been robbed at airports so it does happen. Bags are x-rayed.

Spread your cash out in different places – even inside empty drink bottles, shoes and what not. Use the hotel safe – always remember you have stuff in there before you check out! But, make sure you keep your main cards with you in your main wallet. And if something was to occur to any of your cards, always ensure you have the card numbers and login information  – plus your bank’s phone number so you can cancel the cards before anyone can use them. This also applies to any institution which gives you 2 cards per account too. Never carry them both in the same wallet.

When it comes to passports, I always carry mine with me as I often need it as an ID source. But if you carry your passport with you – make sure you know where it is at all times, and ensure you have a photo of the ID page on your phone, laptop or device if taking one, as well as paper photocopies. You can never be too safe. Additionally, taking 2 passport photos with you in case you need a replacement passport will also come in handy to expedite the process should this happen. 

The main thing to remember above all is that shit happens. Money gets lost or stolen, or cards don’t work on any given day. You need to ensure you are traveling with backups and that if your wallet is stolen or lost, that not every currency option is located in that very wallet. I don’t carry money belts, I use a cross the body tote bag which has different compartments and have never been robbed or lost money. Or lost a passport for that matter.

Worst case, use the hotel safe in your room, or at the front desk if you are very worried.
 

 

Final Thoughts

Be smart. Be prepared. Do your research and you will usually be ok. Make sure you understand what process you need to have in place should something happen to a card that you are using – a few institutions will transfer the balance of your card via Western Union as a very last resort. But for me, as long as I can access my AUD bank account and transfer money onto at least ONE card from my home bank account, I can handle anything. If something happens, then I can travel stress free and without worry. I will never travel anywhere with only ONE card. That is the worst idea you can have. Cancel the cards if something happens and deal with it properly when you get home. Don’t let it ruin your trip.

It is just very important that you have access to money while you are away on vacation – or a friend can transfer you money from their bank account to a card you’re traveling with should you need it.

Be a smart traveller.

I hope all of this information was a benefit to you. If you are planning to travel to the USA or Canada please join my travel group USA & Canada Travel Planning for more insider tips, seasoned knowledge from travellers and locals, and so much more.

 

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Melbourne Cafe Guide: A Local Guide To Melbourne’s Best Eats https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/melbournes-cafe-guide-local-best-eats/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/melbournes-cafe-guide-local-best-eats/#respond Fri, 30 Aug 2019 23:38:24 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=7784 Melbourne knows coffee. Because of the bean, we have established one of the world’s best cafe cultures and it has extended past Melbourne into cities all over the world. I am a born and bred Melburnian. I love traveling the world, but I love my city and what we have on offer here – which […]

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Melbourne knows coffee. Because of the bean, we have established one of the world’s best cafe cultures and it has extended past Melbourne into cities all over the world.

I am a born and bred Melburnian. I love traveling the world, but I love my city and what we have on offer here – which I am so proud of. Every weekend, I and my network of friends and fellow bloggers, can usually be found eating at one of Melbourne’s most popular (or not so well known, but still awesome) cafes. It’s how we Sunday, it’s how we brunch and it’s how we maintain our happiness after a long week at work.

 

How Big Is Melbourne’s Cafe Scene?

Well, this is not an easy question to answer. What does one even class “Melbourne” as being? For us, Melbourne is the CBD area, and inner city areas of Melbourne. But, Greater Melbourne also extends out even further into places as far as the Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula and more. But us locals still head out to these places because they are that good. For the purpose of this article though, I will just be focusing on Melbourne’s CBD, and inner city suburbs which are located no further than 15km beyond the city limits. The reason for this, is some of Melbourne’s best cafes, are not found in the CBD of Melbourne at all and it would be shameful to leave them out of this article.

Hopefully this will open your eyes to all that Melbourne offers. And if you are a local, maybe this will highlight exactly what coffee and cafe culture we really have here that you’re missing out on. The cafes listed aren’t always the ones which make it onto “Melbourne’s Best Coffee” lists by Timeout and Broadsheet. No, they are simply the places that us Melbourne locals love going to all the time, because they are consistent, value for money and a memorable experience. These cafes are our “locals”. They are reliable and do great coffee as well.

Now, not every possible cafe is on the list – and many I will be adding as the years go on. But any of these cafes are well worth visiting, and to miss them on any visit to Melbourne would be the ultimate shame.

 

Melbourne CBD’s Best Cafe Stops

 

Brick Lane 

33 Guildford Lane, Melbourne

 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Brick Lane

 
Nestled away inside a laneway full of plants – which you could easily miss on any day, sits a real hidden gem with more than one cafe (see Cafe Krimper below too). Brick Lane is a real destination stop, which many locals and tourists swear by as reflecting quintessential Melbourne cafe culture. And when you see it, you’ll understand why.

The decor is industrial Melbourne, with white brick walls, hanging lights and just a relaxed vibe. The food on offer is everything you would expect from a laneway cafe. From typical brunch fare of eggs and smashed avo, to lunchtime sandwiches and salads. But if all you have time for is a takeaway coffee, they also have a coffee window for this very reason as well.
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Brick Lane Interior
 
The coffee is really good here and so it should be – they use Rumble coffee beans, which I have always enjoyed. I’ve tried many latte’s in my time, and this is one I will come back for. Brick Lane is Melbourne’s hidden gem – (but those in the know know it!) and rightfully so. Do not miss it – even if there is a wait!

Brick Lane is open 7am – 4pm weekdays, 8am – 4pm weekends. 
 
 

Brother Baba Budan

359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne

 

 
One coffee icon of Melbourne since 2007 – Brother Baba Budan is a must stop when visiting Melbourne’s CBD. No stranger to a celebrity visit either, US comedian Arj Barker said recently that Brother Baba Budan is his #1 coffee choice in Melbourne. He always makes it here when he’s in town. And so do I when I travel into the CBD.
 

 
Brother Baba Budan is more coffee shop than large scale cafe, but they are a worthy choice when it comes to coffee. Sister to Seven Seeds, and using their coffee here too; Brother Baba Budan also offers a number of small cakes and pastries. But it is the compactness of this place which makes it memorable. The highlight here, is the wooden chairs which hang suspended from the ceiling making Brother Baba Budan one of the most interesting in regards to decor, in the city. But, it is the ambiance here, which is extremely Melbourne – friendly staff, unpretentious menu items, great coffee, novelty ceilings and small spaces. Everything a good Melbourne coffee shop should offer!
 

 
Seating is limited, with some bar stool seating and a communal table on offer. A lot of people do get takeaway coffee from Brother Baba Budan which helps ease congestion, but if you wish to try this place out and sit inside, pick your time of day wisely as it can get very busy!

Brother Baba Budan is open daily 7am-5pm.
 
 

Cafe Krimper

20 Guildford Lane, Melbourne VIC 

Submitted by Michela of Rocky Travel

 

 
If you like walking in Melbourne, you may bump into Cafe Krimper. A lovely place with quirky interior design. I discovered this place on a self-guided tour of the laneways in Melbourne, and I was delighted. The site is tucked away in Guildford Lane, right in the heart of the city.

Cafe Krimper used to be a former sawmill, later on, it turned into a cabinetmaking factory and only recently they made a restaurant out of it. The design is what strikes you immediately after entering the place. Right in the middle of the room, there is an old lift car, various cabinets and quirky lamps made from old wheels and chains hanging from the ceiling.

 

 
I couldn’t try the food on that day, but I checked the dishes coming out of the kitchen, and the food looked very promising. I then read a lot of good reviews about this restaurant. The cuisine is mostly international with French and Japanese influences. Moreover, they are quite famous for their excellent breakfast and brunches. A place to try out among the many fun things to do in Melbourne.

Cafe Krimper is open daily, 7:30 – 5pm weekdays, 8:30- 4pm weekends.
 
 

Dukes Coffee Roasters

247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

 

 
Duke’s Coffee Roasters are one of the most popular roasters in Melbourne – and rightfully so. I love them the most out of all the coffee offerings in Melbourne. Like most roasters, compactness is key here, though they do have some seating available, which is limited. But this just adds to its charm.

Duke’s strive themselves as a company which focuses on creating the best coffees in the world, with innovation and methodic roasting practices. They also work hard to ensure environmental sustainability remains a priority in everything that they do. No matter when you visit, there is always a line of people buying takeaway coffees – but you won’t wait very long for your drink! They do have some small pastries available as well.
 

 
Duke’s Coffee Roasters decor is simple but modern, with light wood finishings being a central theme. Duke’s is a real coffee treat in Melbourne. I love everything about it. The coffee is delicious. The atmosphere is 100% Melbourne. Do not miss having a latte here. Even if you have to take it away.

Duke’s Coffee Roasters is open Monday – Friday 7 – 4.30pm; Saturday 9 – 5pm. Closed Sundays.
 
 

Father John

201 Spring St, Melbourne

 

 
Father John is nestled just outside of the major restaurant hubs of Melbourne’s CBD area. While still part of the city, it sits within a stone’s throw of Parliament Station and the Princess Theatre. There are a few cafes located up this way, but unlike other parts of the city, it is rather limited for what you can find up here – but thankfully for us, Father John is here for Melburnians.

Father John is a fully fledged cafe, with a wide variety of menu items, from coffee to focaccias, gourmet salads, all day breakfasts and more. The coffee is great, using Allpress coffee beans which was born out of New Zealand, and the staff are friendly. The decor is one of the best parts about this eatery, with modern light fixtures, plants scattered around the space, black iron finishings and creamy white walls. It just feels nice to eat here.
 

 
Father John was established to bring back the basics of Melbourne’s cafe scene. Whether it be a sit down meal, a coffee on the run or a light bite; the atmosphere here is really inviting and reminds you of why Melbourne’s smaller cafes are just as relevant as the bigger options. If not better.

Father John is open weekdays 6am – 4pm and Saturday 7am – 3pm. Closed Sundays. 
 
 

Grain Store

517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

 

 
Grain Store is one of the most popular cafe/restaurants in Melbourne. It is always busy, but luckily they have some extra space to accommodate people – particularly those who dine solo, with some communal tables available as well.

Grain Store is basked in Melbourne history, paying homage to the older days when buildings along the Yarra River would be used as holding spaces for things like grain. Thus, how it got it’s name.
 

 
Grain Store prioritizes nature. It strives to use as many wholesome and natural ingredients as possible. They source their ingredients from local and environmentally friendly distributors, those who don’t use chemicals. Their menu is varied – their baked items look divine! But meals here are meant to be enjoyed as a culinary experience which combines rustic with modern – and above all tastes great. When I stopped by here, it was a weekday morning before a flight out of Melbourne, and I had a latte and banana bread. The banana bread was quite elaborate and it would be safe to say that this is the best banana bread I have ever eaten. It came with toffee banana, passionfruit, candied walnuts and coconut yoghurt.
 

 
The decor at Grain Store is comfy. From the large barn door, to the industrial feel of the ceilings and the plating of the dishes. This is a great space to spend catching up with friends or passing the time on a winter’s morning; even if enjoying a delicious meal solo.

Grain Store is open 7am – 4pm on weekdays, 8am – 4pm on weekends. 
 
 

Higher Ground

650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne

 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Higher Ground Interior
 
A mixture of Melbourne cafe and restaurant at it’s finest, Higher Ground is a local favourite for so many reasons. For some it’s the coffee, for others the food. But for me it’s the large space and decor, and the truly New York mixed with Melbourne feeling that Higher Ground offers. As a lover in equal measure of both Melbourne and New York, this is the ultimate for me. And everyone else it appears!

When we ate here we dined upstairs on the mezzanine level, which I completely recommend. It was away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the restaurant and best of all, we were able to enjoy the view for a moment looking down on everything below. The windows offer a lot of natural lighting, as well as symmetry. The brickwork and modern furnishings give it that New York loft feel. The coffee makes it quintessential Melbourne. It is a truly great space to dine in.
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Higher Ground Drinks
 

Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Higher Ground Eggs Benedict

 
Higher Ground always has a line – weekdays or weekends. It is that popular. The food is delicious too. When I was here last, I dined with my friend LC who has provided two submissions further down the list. She ordered the Spiced Cauliflower, while I had the Eggs Benedict. We both enjoyed our meals. I really liked how the Eggs were plated up and the extra flavour touches it had which made it more unique than most eggs benedict menus. The iced coffee was really nice as well.

Higher Ground is open daily with varying opening hours.

Monday – Wednesday 7am- 4pm, Thursday – Friday 7am – 10pm, Saturday 8am – 10pm, Sunday 8am – 4pm. 
 
 

Hopetoun Tea Rooms

Block Arcade, 1-2/282 Collins Street, Melbourne

 

 

 
Hopetoun Tea Rooms are one of Melbourne’s real historic icons. Located in the famed Block Arcade, Hopetoun is a must for any first time visitor. The decor here is old english charm with a true tea room vibe. But it is their storefront window which makes even passersby stop and take a photo. The Hopetoun Tea Room window, which is full of all their available desserts – from Raspberry Tarts, to Lamingtons, Pavlova and most recently, a replication offering of the Duke & Duchess of Sussex’s wedding cake, which was a lemon and elderflower mix.


 

Hopetoun is always busy. It always has a line unless you go very early. There is a queue forming rope put out to ensure patrons don’t block the entrance to the Block Arcade. But man is it worth it. I have dined here many times, so I have tried everything from their pumpkin soup to their tarts, their fruit crepes and of course their amazing scones. They do offer an afternoon tea here too, but you do need to book in advance for that.
 

 
If you are staying in Melbourne, a breakfast or an afternoon meal is a must for any foodie here. This is Melbourne’s truest food icon. But if you don’t have time to wait in line, or eat here, then the least you can do is come and see the Block Arcade and take a snap of it’s prized Hopetoun Tea Room window, and buy a take away dessert. Staff do take desserts from the window as they sell them, so for the best photos come early when it has all been placed out and is ready to eat.

Hopetoun Tea Room is open daily 8am – 5pm, except Sundays which are 9am – 5pm.
 
 

South Melbourne’s Best Cafe Stops

 

Chez Dre

285-287 Coventry St, South Melbourne

 
One of Melbourne’s most eclectic neighbourhoods is South Melbourne. Home to the iconic South Melbourne Market which draws people in to this area every single day.

Right across the road from the market sits Chez Dre, a warehouse converted cafe which serves French inspired cuisine and desserts.
 

 
On a beautiful warm Sunday, a brunch here is at the top of everyone’s list largely because of the back courtyard it contains which makes a meal here truly relaxed. The menu is full of variety, with traditional French dishes like Croque Monsieur – a ham and cheese toasted  sandwich or Croque Madame – a ham and cheese style sandwich with egg.
 

 

 

 
After you’re done, head to their sister property next door – Bibelot. I recommend the $30 dessert board, which has a mix of all the offerings in miniature. And as always, a detour through the South Melbourne Market is a must!

Chez Dre is open weekdays 7am – 4pm, weekends 8am – 4pm. 
 
 

South Yarra’s Best Cafe Stops

 

Stables Of Como

Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra

 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Stables Of Como South Yarra
 
Stables of Como is a real treat – and so full of extravagance. A meal here is a really memorable experience.

Stables of Como is located right on the Como House Estate, but transformed the stables into an amazing eatery as the pictures can attest. The decor is fun, the food is delicious and the industrial vibe is just truly relaxing. This is how you Sunday on the outskirts of Melbourne.

If you have a birthday, bachelorette event or mothers day brunch, you really can’t go wrong here. But a breakfast, brunch or lunch on any day is a great way to spend a weekend.
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Stables Of Como Brunch
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Stables Of Como Coffee
 
Stables of Como is truly one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets. But to locals, it is one of the best places to have coffee or a good cafe style meal. Get on it if you are ever looking for that unique dining experience in Melbourne.

Stables of Como is open daily 9am – 5pm, (10am – 5pm on Sundays).
 
 

Tusk

133 Chapel St, Windsor

 

 
Tusk is a great restaurant which caters not only to the coffee crowd, but to Chapel Street’s bustling cafe and nightlife scene. It isn’t odd to spot a celebrity here either, whether along the the street or in any of the cafes. Last time I was here, I sat along the window facing out to the street and none other than Tony Martin, a Melbourne radio and tv icon sat a few seats up. As he has a noticeable voice, I recognised him immediately, so that was really cool!
 

 
Tusk has been around for what feels like forever. They have a varied menu with breakfast options catering to the brunch crowds, lunch fare options, as well as dinner, which makes it a great night out with friends before hitting the town. If I see a film at the Astor I often come here for dinner or lunch before heading there as it is only a short walk from Tusk.

I love the decor here too, and the counter by the window especially, because you get to take in all the street traffic. The coffee is also really good as well.
 

 
Tusk is open daily. 8am – 11:30pm Sunday – Wednesday, 8am – 1am Thursday – Saturday. 
 
 

East Melbourne’s Best Cafe Stops

 

The Bakers Wife

414-418 Burke Rd, Camberwell

 

Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Bakers Wife Decor

 
If there was a hidden gem within all of these cafes, The Baker’s Wife would be it.

Located in the hipster neighbourhood of Camberwell, the decor of this place, truly draws you in, but it’s the vibe which keeps you there. This has become one of my favourite brunch spots, and it’s really not hard to see why. With an industrial feel mixed with wood beams, splashes of floral colour and delicious food – this is more than just a bakery. It is a great way to start a weekend.
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Bakers Wife Seating
 
The menu is full of variety and the coffee is good. In fact, the coffee is constantly being made in an endless takeaway line – which shows just how popular The Baker’s Wife is for locals.
 

Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Bakers Wife

 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Bakers Wife Latte
 
When I stopped in on my last visit, I had the Eggs Benedict and a Latte, both were amazing. Signature dishes that are worth considering as well, include the asparagus version. So many people rave about it!

The Baker’s Wife is open daily, 7:30am – 3pm weekdays, 8am – 3pm weekends. 
 
 

South East Melbourne’s Best Cafe Stops

 

Fifth Chapter

399 Centre Rd, Bentleigh

 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Fifth Chapter Bentleigh
 
After housesitting in Bentleigh for a month, I made it to Fifth Chapter on Centre Road – Bentleigh’s main street. I was very impressed with them for a multitude of reasons, which ensured that I will always come back.

The decor is modern and not over the top. Staff are very friendly. They border on hipster because of the menu offerings they have right down to their coffee. I ordered an iced coffee, and it was served deconstructed. I really liked how they presented it, and getting to make my own drink made it a little more fun. The coffee was really good too.
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Fifth Chapter Bentleigh Deconstructed Ice Coffee
 
As a lover of eggs benedict, I knew I wanted to try the benny here. But man did this take it to another level. This beauty was a $20 feast I haven’t soon forgotten. Poached eggs sit on a compressed pulled pork square (on the left) and a potato hash (on the right). Topped with apple cider hollandaise and pomegranate molasses – man was this amazing!
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Fifth Chapter Bentleigh Eggs Benedict With Pulled Pork & Potato Hash
 
Fifth Chapter is one of my new favourite cafes in the South East of Melbourne, and I can’t wait to be back.

Fifth Chapter is open daily 7am – 4pm. (Dinner service operates until 10pm Wednesday – Saturday.)
 
 

Humble Creatures

4 Matthews Rd, Bentleigh East

 

Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Humble Creatures Bentleigh East

 
Humble Creatures is one of my new favourite cafes. I have frequented this place more than any other in this area because I love it, and it is not so busy that you can’t get a seat – but it is a very popular option even so! Located smack bang within the suburban area of Bentleigh East, rather than the more popular Center Road, it is easy to miss if you aren’t familiar with the area.
 

Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Humble Creatures Bentleigh East Crumpets

 

Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Humble Creatures Bentleigh East Chilli Scrambled Eggs

 
Humble Creatures has a lovely decor and the food here is really good. I have eaten a few meals here now and never disliked anything. I can hate egg dishes at some cafes, but never here. The highlight so far has been the chilli scrambled eggs. Delicious is an understatement – definitely try that when you’re there. The coffee is nice as well which is always a good thing too!
 

Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Humble Creatures Bentleigh East Coffee

 
If you happen to be around this area, a stop in at Humble Creatures for a quiet brunch would start your weekend off right.

Humble Creatures is open daily 7am – 4pm. 
 
 

Left Field

358 Koornang Rd, Carnegie 

 

 
Remember when I said some of the best cafes in Melbourne are not located in the CBD of Melbourne? Cafes like Left Field are exactly why this is true. And it is always busy – the people in this photo represent a view that is constantly seen outside Left Field.

Left Field offer really delicious food options, from their take on the Eggs Benedict – which sits on pulled pork and comes alongside apple cider hollandaise and apple sauce. They also offer really cute “sampler” breakfast boards which means you can have a little bit of everything. My friend Kim’s breakfast board had Wild Muesli w/ Seasonal Fruits and Vanilla Yogurt, A Poached Egg, Smashed Pumpkin, Goats Cheese, Beetroot Hummus, Quinoa Toast, with Pepita Dukkah. She eats here a lot so it tastes as good as it looks!
 

 

 
The coffee is really good here too. Best of all, Left Field offer Gluten free, Dairy free, and Vegan friendly options. So, no matter what your diet and restrictions, you can eat good food here.

There is a reason why Left Field remains so popular. The decor is inviting, but simple. The food is delicious and plated sometimes too nicely to want to eat it. You are missing out, if you don’t make it over there when visiting Melbourne to see what all the hype is about.

Left Field is open weekdays 7am – 4pm, Weekends 7:30am – 4pm. 
 
 

Brighton Soul

129 Church St, Brighton

 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Brighton Soul Decor
 
When people visit Melbourne, the Brighton Sea Baths are always on the itinerary. So how amazing is it that there is an insanely delicious foodie option located in Brighton for all to enjoy?

What entices people immediately, is the decor – graffiti “street art” – which Melbourne is known for, and neon signs invite patrons in with such a happy feeling the minute they enter.
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Brighton Soul Deconstructed Iced Coffee
 
The food is insane here too. I ordered the famed “Donald Crumble” one morning for brunch. It was HUGE. Consisting of Pan Fried Churro Waffles, with Apple Pie filling, a macadamia crumble (which makes the dish in my opinion!), and a granny smith sorbet with persian fairy floss and berries. This remains one of the most memorable cafe meals I have ever eaten in Melbourne. How often can you say that about food?
 
Melbourne Cafe Guide Where Locals Go For Coffee Brighton Soul
 
The coffee is good here too – with a fun aspect being the DIY Iced Brews. Deconstructed coffee has become more of thing in Melbourne, and here they tell you so on the menu.

Brighton Soul is open daily 7am – 6pm. 
 
 

North Melbourne’s Best Cafe Stops

 

Humble Rays

71 Bouverie Street, Carlton 

Submitted by Lyn & Steve Baker From A Hole In My Shoe

 

 
One thing Melbourne does well is breakfast, and Asian fusion is hugely popular. Humble Rays is the perfect place where you’ll find a new style brunch that is indulgent, nourishing and extravagant.

Located in a trendy spot with a great vibe, Humble Rays has a fresh, modern décor, with shiny white tiles, hanging plants, pastel colours, with friendly staff, confident to suggest menu options.
 

 
The menu is not your traditional brekky menu. Eggs Benny are served with ginger braised pork belly and a Miso and potato croquette with Yuzu hollandaise. Sweet dishes include Skookies, large cookies cooked in a skillet with chocolate chip and oreos or red velvet with boysenberry ice cream and Persian fairy floss. Both have generous serves of marshmallow. And then there is Belly Dancing Pancakes, with eggs, bacon, banana, salted caramel , Nutella and parmesan cheese.

Looking around the Crabmeat Scramble was the most popular dish but I ordered French Toast Forever. French toast stuffed with vanilla bean cream cheese, boysenberry ice cream, seasonal fruits, Persian fairy floss, walnut and almond oat crumble, seasonal coulis and freeze dried strawberry. The presentation of this dish and the fresh flavours made this a winner with me.
 

 
Steve devoured the Salmon Super Salad, grilled salmon, quinoa & edamame salad, sweet corn, almonds, broccolini, tomato medley, shaved zucchini, green tea durikaka, sweet potato & cashew relish and citrus dill vinaigrette. Every bite was moorish and all ingredients on the plate complimented each other.

The Granny smith ginger soda was fresh and delicious with edible popping pearls and the coffee was good quality.

We wish we could have tried more of the menu but the servings are quite generous and we were so full. The menu has a good balance of sweet and savoury with so many options we will need to go back.
 
Humble Rays is open daily 8am – 4pm. 
 
 

Noughts & Crosses

32 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington

 

 
After housesitting in Flemington a few weekends, I really got a feel for what they did well here. Noughts & Crosses was by far my favourite eatery in Flemington and I kept coming back to try out more menu items.

The decor here is really quite simple, with wood furniture mixed against the white walls. Some could say it feels bare however, once you sit down and drink a coffee or have a meal, it really does have a cozy feel to it. I always a take a book when I eat at a cafe, and had some lovely conversations with my server on the book – so staff really are friendly and welcoming in my experience.
 

 
The food is the major drawcard at Noughts & Crosses. I have had everything from their poached eggs with bacon on toast, to their crepes which was the perfect combination of salty and sweet. The crispy bacon pieces were a real nice touch. I think the name of it had something to do with Elvis? They do have a seasonal menu – but there is always something delicious to eat here and best of all they source fresh ingredients and aim to be as sustainable in their offerings as possible.

Their main coffee provider is Small Batch – but they do offer some others depending on what you are after. But the coffee is very good here – dine in or to go!
 

 

 
Noughts & Crosses has a sister restaurant in Parkville, but the Flemington one is a great and my personal favourite.

Noughts & Crosses is open weekday 7am – 4pm, weekends 7:30am – 4pm. 
 
 

Wolf & Hound

60 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington

Submitted by LC of Birdgels

Wolf & Hound looks unassuming from the outside, but don’t be fooled – it offers up some of the most delicious wares of any café in Flemington.

The menu is small, but pretty much every item on the menu is delicious (having extensively taste-tested most of the food there, I can say this with confidence). Their chilli scrambled eggs in particular hits the spot and if you see a dish with bacon jam included as a side, don’t hesitate, just order.

While their coffee is reputedly good, it’s not a place to go to if you’re craving the stuff in a mug which roughly rivals the size of your head. As a non-coffee drinker, I thoroughly recommend their chai tea, which is not only delicious but automatically comes with a side of honey, to drizzle in at will.

 

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Sunday pitstop 👌

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Wolf & Hound is open 7am – 4pm weekdays, 8am – 4pm on weekends. 
 
 

Brother Hen

154 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Valley

Submitted by Jean of Traveling Honeybird

 

 

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Hooray for the weekend! And baked eggs! And extra halloumi!

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Hidden away in plain sight, on a major road, in the middle of surburbia is one of Melbourne’s most delicious cafes. From the moment you walk in, you are whisked away from the trams, the cars and the screaming children from the park across the road. A warm welcome from the staff awaits you. The décor on first sights isn’t anything particularly Instagram worthy, but it’s clean and by Melbourne standards up to scratch. There’s seating out the front on the street, in the small café around and down the back in the chickens playground.

But you don’t come here for the décor – you’re here to have brunch, perhaps even a Golden Gaytime Bao and enjoy the company of the resident chickens in the court yard. The food on offer is delicious and well and truly Instagram worthy. The coffee is served to the high hipster standard of the area.

Now I’ve mentioned chickens several times and for good reason. Where else in Melbourne can you sit back, enjoy great food and great coffee all whilst in the company of free ranging chickens?

Brother Hen is open weekdays 7am – 4pm, 7:30am – 4pm Saturdays, 8am – 4pm Sundays.
 
 

Western Melbourne’s Best Cafe Stops

 

The Cornershop

9/11 Ballarat St, Yarraville

Submitted by LC of Birdgehls

 

 

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Come on down folks. Pouring @twobirdsbrewing Taco & Golden Ale. Prosecco & Sangria. #yarravillevillage #yarravillefestival

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The Cornershop in Yarraville is the kind of café that immediately makes you feel at home. It’s spacious and well lit, with a rustic feel. Colourful art adorns its walls, flowers sit in vases on tables with mis-matched chairs and it has a decent outdoor area, for a café of its size. It’s not unusual to see patrons reading books or flipping through newspapers as they sip their coffees – pleasingly this is more often the case, rather than a sea of heads stuck behind laptops.

This café does breakfast until 2pm and has a fairly extensive menu of modern Australia dishes, with a bit of a twist. Their coffee is delicious and if you’re so inclined, you can order an entire pot of chai tea to share with a friend (or drink alone, no judgement here!)

 

 
If you’ve not spent much time in Yarraville, it’s well worth having a little wander around this eclectic suburb, after your meal is done. Tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend, get there early! The Cornershop is extremely popular amongst locals and fills up quickly.

The Cornershop is open weekdays 7:30am – 4pm, 8am – 5pm Saturday, 8am – 4pm Sunday. 

 
Now, that you have a good idea on Melbourne’s best cafes…what are you waiting for? Go and check them out! And if you’re favourite isn’t on here – let me know, so I can plan my next cafe stop and add it in!

 

Pin This For Your Next Melbourne Cafe Adventure!

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]]> https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/melbournes-cafe-guide-local-best-eats/feed/ 0 7784 Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – A Day Out In The Wet Tropics Rainforest https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/cairns-skyrail-cableway-a-day-out-in-the-wet-tropics-rainforest/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/cairns-skyrail-cableway-a-day-out-in-the-wet-tropics-rainforest/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2019 05:11:57 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=7505 I only promote and work with brands I would use myself as a traveler. I received a complimentary ticket for the Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the purpose of seeing what it was like and to share what I wanted to about it on my website. All opinions in this article remain my own, based […]

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I only promote and work with brands I would use myself as a traveler. I received a complimentary ticket for the Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the purpose of seeing what it was like and to share what I wanted to about it on my website. All opinions in this article remain my own, based on the experiences I had. I would not hesitate to purchase a ticket for the Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway on another visit. 

Cairns is a real highlight to visit when you find yourself in Far North Queensland. But, Cairns itself is not the only place to explore here. It lies right within some pretty incredible options which is what led me to want to experience the Cairns Skyrail when I was visiting in January.

As a lover of rainforests, the Skyrail is one experience all visitors to Cairns should undertake if they want to immerse themselves inside the world’s oldest tropical rainforest: The Wet Tropics Rainforest. This rainforest is World Heritage listed and a must on any visit within this area. The Skyrail Cableway offers the ultimate birds eye perspective of the rainforest. It is a lot of fun, it’s a family friendly activity and I can’t comprehend why anyone would bypass doing this if they are in the area. You will miss out on seeing some iconic Australian landmarks.

So what does the Cairns Skyrail Experience offer? Here are the highlights that my mum and I had when we explored the Wet Tropics in January so you can see what it’s like before you go. This experience was far more than even we expected – and is far more than just a cableway getting you to and from Cairns and Kuranda.

Checking In For The Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

When purchasing your ticket at the Cairns Skyrail website you will select a date and time to depart and return from the Smithfield Terminal – which is about 15 minutes drive from the Cairns CBD area. This ensures the Cairns Skyrail doesn’t get too crowded at specific times. We opted for a 10am departure and a 3pm return and it was a perfect amount of time to enjoy all that was available to us between Cairns and Kuranda.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar

It’s so important that you get to enjoy your visit and not have to rush around seeing everything. For this reason, I do recommend taking 4-5 hours to experience it all at a timely pace.  

We boarded the cableway and began our ascent into the rainforest. The views were beyond stunning and we could even see the ocean in the distance. It was amazing! The Skyrail has an app which you should download before you go – I tested it out and it was really cool. It plays audio, depending on where you are telling you about what you are looking at below. The information was really insightful and made for a more interesting journey. So have a full battery before you go so you can use this at least on the way up.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Views From Above

The best part about the cableway is the perspective you get from looking down on the rainforest. As an Australian, I have seen a lot of rainforests before, but I have never seen one from this point of view which gave me a new experience and a whole new appreciation for what our beautiful country offers us.

First Stop On The Cairns Skyrail – Red Peak

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Stop 1 Red Peak

There are three stops on the Cairns Skyrail Cableway. The first one was Red Peak – a stunning stop which allowed us to enjoy our first experience inside the Wet Tropics Rainforest. There is a boardwalk and an outlook point which makes this more than just a quick stop along the way. We really took our time here to enjoy the views.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Stop 1 Red Peak Lookout

From our first stop, we really noticed that the staff were so helpful in how they interacted with us, as we de-boarded and re-boarded the cableway, giving us information about where we were and what we could see and how long we should ideally spend there. I was really surprised because often this kind of service isn’t prioritized. It made us appreciate where we were even more and excited for what we were about to see.

Second Stop On The Cairns Skyrail – Barron Falls

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Barron Falls

Our second stop was Barron Falls. Barron Falls is a waterfall. It is 260 metres in height and one of the most iconic Queensland landmarks on offer. It had been raining prior to our visit, so the waterfall was full which was great.

Coming into Barron Falls station was also a treat, because the aerial views of the waterfall were truly spectacular. I will never forget that view.

Third & Final Stop On The Cairns Skyrail – Kuranda

Kuranda is the final stop on the Cairns Skyrail, and is a place you want to spend a good few hours. If you don’t want to take the cable way up and back, you can take the scenic railway – which is a little more expensive. I found the cableway journey quite good coming up and back, if that’s what you decide to do on your visit. With all of the stops it is about a 90 minute journey from Cairns to Kuranda.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Kuranda Shuttle

Kuranda has a small township which is walkable from the Skyrail exit, but there is a free shuttle which gets those less mobile into the main street. Otherwise, it is a 10 minute walk. Kuranda has some stores, restaurants and a marketplace which makes it a worthwhile place to spend the afternoon.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Kuranda Marketplace

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Kuranda

We also had lunch here at the Rainforest View Restaurant which has stunning views of the rainforest…and delicious food too!

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Lunch Views At Rainforest View Restaurant

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Drinks At Rainforest View Restaurant

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Lunch At Rainforest View Restaurant

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Lunchtime At Rainforest View Restaurant

Alongside this, there are attractions for the family or adults like us which are available in Kuranda. Mum and I did purchase a Kuranda Wildlife Experience pass for $49.50. Mum had seniors, so she paid admission at each attraction to get the discount, which worked out cheaper for her. The pass gained us access into animal based attractions, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Bird World.

Koala Gardens, Kuranda

The Koala Gardens was a nice attraction with everything from Crocodiles to Koalas to Snakes.

We spent about 20 minutes here and enjoyed it all. Visitors can feed the animals as they roam freely around their enclosures. Many endangered animals are housed here, and in some cases, rescue animals from as far away as Madagascar are here after being caught up in illegal trade practices, which was great to see.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Koala Gardens

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary was really cool, and I scored some awesome photos of butterflies. The Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest aviary in Australia and has re-created the butterfly’s natural tropical habitat through its design. Operating for over 20 years, it is a really nice experience to wander around.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Butterfly Experience

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Butterfly

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Butterflies

Bird World, Kuranda

Bird World was a cool experience as well.

The aviary these birds are housed in is so big that they can fly around at their leisure in one of Australia’s largest free flight aviaries. There are bird feeders everywhere and guests can hand feed the birds seed or fruits in different areas. I found one bird which talked to me and asked how I was – which was really surprising. I have grown up around birds, so seeing them flying around in this was cool because of the size of it all.

There are over 500 bird types in the aviary, including endangered birds like the Amazonian Macaw, so conservation and ensuring the survival of specific breeds is really important to them as well.

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Australian Bird Sanctuary

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Bird Feeding At Australian Bird Sanctuary

Cairns Skyrail Cablecar Bird World Galah

The Cairns Skyrail experience was a highlight for our visit to Cairns. I am so glad we managed to do it, because we saw so much and really got a feel for so many areas which exist between Cairns and Kuranda. You really are able to get an up close and personal experience which even for an Aussie like me, taught me so much about the native animals, landmarks and forestry which exists right here.

Pin This For Your Next Queensland Adventure!

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100+ Filming Locations You Should See In The USA https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/100-filming-locations-see-usa/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/100-filming-locations-see-usa/#respond Sat, 09 Feb 2019 22:35:59 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=7217 The United States is the epitome of Hollywood moments, and that’s why I love it. It is so familiar to me even before I get there. Some cities in the US are so full of filming locations that you can find them on every corner if you look hard enough. However, some of the best […]

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The United States is the epitome of Hollywood moments, and that’s why I love it. It is so familiar to me even before I get there. Some cities in the US are so full of filming locations that you can find them on every corner if you look hard enough.

However, some of the best movie and tv filming locations in the USA are those which are found in the most obscure places – small towns and off the beaten track regions – which many tourists haven’t even heard of. But often enough, Hollywood has – and have made more than one film or tv show in that location. They’re the ones I love most. Sometimes I see a location so much I can spot it immediately now. That’s my secret talent. But for me, it’s about the chance to explore real places – real streets, real houses, real towns in and outside of the larger tourist filled cities of America.

Since 2008, I have traveled across the United States chasing filming locations and it has led me to some of the most amazing towns and locations I could have ever wished to see. And I am not the only one who does this. So for this particular article, I asked fellow travelers what their favourite filming locations were in the US, and I received a huge response back. Thus, this won’t be one of those generic “Top 10 filming locations” to see in the USA articles. Far from it. There are so many more than 10 top filming locations in a country as big as the USA, and you will soon see why.

Many of these locations, I have been to myself – which only highlights just how popular some of these filming locations actually are within the United States. But some are still on my list, and I want to see them now more than ever.

If you are traveling in the United States and want to add something fun to your itinerary, I wholly recommend you visit some of these locations and the towns that they live in to make your vacation even more exciting. One of the best travel memories one can have is getting to say “I’ve been there!” when you spot one on a re-watch of something you love.

So what are the most popular and iconic filming locations that all travelers should see when exploring the USA?

Here are our top picks of what is on offer in the US – but there is so much more than just what we have listed here (and more will be added over time!) All locations featured are broken down into STATE and CITY so they are easier to find. And any questions – just ask! And if you are heading over to the USA soon, be sure to join my Facebook community USA & Canada Travel Planning!

California

 

– Los Angeles –

The Office

(2005 – 2013)

by Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Based on the UK series of the same name, The Office  is set in Scranton, Pennsylvania in the style of a ‘mockumentary’, using a single camera setup. The Office centers on the employees of Dunder Mifflin, a mediocre paper company run by boss, Michael Scott. Cameras follow the everyday lives of the employees as they attempt to get through their workdays, and navigate their personal relationships with each other – in and outside of the office.

Starring

Steve Carrell (Michael Scott), John Krasinski (Jim Halpet), Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute), Jenna Fischer (Pam Beasley)

About The Office Dunder Mifflin Filming Location

Was The Office filmed in Scranton? Sorry guys, it wasn’t. Fans of the show will recognize many filming locations from The Office  within the Northern Los Angeles areas (not Scranton!). But it is one specific location which 5 years after the show ended – still draws fans to it, myself included – the office building where The Office took place.

While the interior of The Office was shot on an LA set, the Chandler Valley Center Studios is the actual exterior of the Dunder Mifflin building, and was used throughout it’s entire series run. Many memorable scenes were shot outside in the carpark and the entrance of the building or the accompanying street, with classic scenes including “The Fire” episode aka when “Ryan started the fire”, when Michael runs Meredith over with his car and Pam and Jim’s secret relationship finally being exposed.

As a fan of the show – I have no actual number on how often I have watched this show from start to finish, it is that good – to be able to see this very location in the flesh was everything to me this past September. This is the epitome of locations for The Office fans and always will be.

The Dunder Mifflin building from The Office is located at 13927 Saticoy Street in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. 

Beverly Hills Cop

(1984)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Axel Foley is a cop from Detroit stirring up trouble for the Beverly Hills Police Department when he investigates his friends murder.

Starring

Eddie Murphy (Axel Foley), Judge Reinhold (Det. Billy Rosewood), John Ashton (Sgt. John Taggart)

About The Beverly Hills Cop Filming Location

A visit to Beverly Hills makes any fan of Beverly Hills Cop feel like they are back in the film. Whether it is the City Hall, which stood in for the Beverly Hills Police Department or just Rodeo Drive, it’s hard not to hear Eddie Murphy’s signature laugh everywhere you go. But one location is a real highlight when in Los Angeles, and that is the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown LA.

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is famous for the iconic “banana in the tailpipe” scene in Beverly Hills Cop ; where Axel realizes he is being followed to his hotel by the Detectives, so he sends out room service to their car so they don’t see him placing bananas in their tailpipe. Thus, when he exits the hotel a few minutes later, they go to follow him and their car breaks down. This scene is one of the best in the film, and thus why many trek to this location – myself included. But far more has been shot at the Biltmore than just Beverly Hills Cop, from Pretty In Pink to Ghostbusters to Pretty Woman so it is one location worth checking out if you’re exploring Downtown LA.

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel from Beverly Hills Cop is located at 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles.

Pretty Woman

(1990)

by Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

The unlikely coupling of a prostitute named Vivian, who works Hollywood Blvd and a rich and handsome visiting businessman named Edward is the main plot point in this romantic drama. After Edward hires Vivian to be his date (with benefits) for the week; business and pleasure intertwine in one of the most popular love stories to ever grace our screens – and made Julia Roberts a household name.

Starring

Julia Roberts (Vivian Ward), Richard Gere (Edward Lewis), Hector Elizondo (Barney Thompson)

About The Pretty Woman Apartment Filming Location 

Any lover of Pretty Woman would recognize the Las Palmas Hotel as Vivian’s Apartment from the opening and closing scenes of Pretty Woman. The most notable scenes that were shot here are the opening ones when Vivian leaves her apartment to work Hollywood Blvd; and the “grand gesture” of Edward rescuing Vivian by climbing the ladder to her fire escape to profess his love for her – and to save her from her LA lifestyle.

This is the ultimate Pretty Woman location beyond Rodeo Drive and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Rodeo Drive. “Big Mistake!…HUGE!” remember? If you are walking along Hollywood Blvd, a pit stop to this location is a must, as it really is within walking distance to Hollywood and Highland and those touristy areas.

The Pretty Woman apartment is located on 1738 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles.

The Brady Bunch

(1969 – 1974)

by Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Here’s a story…about a mum with 3 daughters who marries a dad with 3 sons, add in a housekeeper and a dog and you have a very large bunch of people under one roof! This show is the ultimate television classic and it’s house is an icon among all of the filming locations in Los Angeles.

Starring 

Florence Henderson (Carol Brady), Robert Reed (Mike Brady), Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady)

About The Brady Bunch House Filming Location

The Brady Bunch house is the ultimate icon in Los Angeles – and is said to be the 2nd most photographed house in the United States, behind The White House in Washington DC. Most recently, it made the news after former N’SYNC member Lance Bass lost out to HGTV for the purchase of the house, after it went on sale for the first time in 50 years.

HGTV are going to renovate the house for a TV special so that coverage alone will pay for the cost of the house – which set them back a cool $3.5 million USD – over $1.5 million more than the $1.89 million USD asking price! You will need a car to get to this house given how suburban it is and as always please respect the property if you visit. It is a private residence and not a real film set.

The Brady Bunch house is located at 11222 Dilling St, North Hollywood.

Father Of The Bride

(1991)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

When daddy’s little girl returns after studying abroad with an engagement ring and a soon to be husband – George Banks finds it really hard to let her go. Add in an over the top wedding planner and a wedding that blows the budget and his sanity…can George give his daughter the wedding of her dreams or will he crack under the pressure?

Starring

Steve Martin (George Banks), Diane Keaton (Nina Banks), Martin Short (Franck Egglehoffer), Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Annie Banks)

About The Father Of The Bride House Filming Location

Pasadena is a charming town to visit anytime you visit the Los Angeles area. So many films and television shows have used properties right here as the houses for their productions. Why? Because all the houses in Pasadena are just stunning pieces of architecture and so are the streets they sit on! The jewel in the crown in this neighbourhood though is the Father Of The Bride house. And one look at it will explain one.

Though only the exterior of this house was used in Father Of The Bride, the front of the house was used at this location – but not the backyard where those famous basketball scenes were shot. That was another property. This house is so pretty, and sits on a lovely street where people walk their dogs and bicycle along. It is honestly straight out of a movie – even in real life. And luckily for me, I have been able to see it twice! If only Steve Martin and Diane Keaton were there to say hello to!

If you visit please ensure you are respectful of the homeowners and their property, as well as those who live on the street.

The Father Of The Bride house is located at 843 S. El Molino Ave, Pasadena. 

Gilmore Girls

(2000 – 2007)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Lorelai's House , Warner Bros. Set Tour

TV Show Synopsis

A mother –  daughter story full of fast talking, pop culture and small town charm. Thirty-something Lorelai Gilmore has raised daughter Rory on her own since she was 16. Now, with a teenage daughter, a re-established but complicated relationship with her parents, dreams of opening her own inn and the endless characters which make small town life in Stars Hollow that much more charming – no day is ever boring in this town.

Starring

Lauren Graham (Lorelai Gilmore), Alexis Bledel (Rory Gilmore), Kelly Bishop (Emily Gilmore), Edward Herrmann (Richard Gilmore).

About The Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow Filming Locations

When visiting Los Angeles, a detour to Burbank is a must with a tour of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The Warner Bros Tour is the best studio tour in Los Angeles, as well as the United States. Fans get to see so much.

Luckily, fans of the show don’t need to settle for just one location from Gilmore Girls. There are tons here with the entire Stars Hollow town on offer to explore! Fans can see the houses used in the filming, including Lorelai’s house, Sookie’s house and Kim’s Antiques. Luke’s Diner and Miss Patty’s Dance Studio are also there to see, as well as the town square, where so much happened throughout the series – though whether the iconic Gilmore Girls  gazebo is in the square on your visit is pure chance. (Sometimes it is there, or taken out depending on what is filming on the day).

Warner Bros. Town Centre

If you want to know what the Warner Bros tour is like, read all about what you can see right here. It is truly amazing and one of the best things to do in LA.

The Warner Bros tour is located at 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank.

Grease

(1978)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

An Australian girl meets a boy at the beach during her Californian Summer – who turns out to be the stud of the local high school, which she ends up attending. It’s 1950’s America in all it’s musical glory. Summer Lovin indeed.

Starring

Olivia Newton-John (Sandy), John Travolta (Danny), Stockhard Channing (Rizzo), Didi Conn (Frenchy)

About The Grease High School Filming Location

Grease is as classic as Hollywood films come. And best of all for fans of Grease the high school is a real location found in Venice Beach, California. The exterior of Venice High School was used as the setting of Rydell High, which becomes clear the minute you see it. It’s such a well known building on a worldwide scale.

The exterior of the building, front and back were used in the filming, though fans are only really able to see the front as it can be deemed as trespassing if you try and enter the school grounds – which is the case in any school. This is a real functioning school and people can’t just walk around it wherever they like – especially if kids are around.

That all being said, if you’re visiting Venice Beach during the school year or school day, just be mindful of all of this and respect the grounds.

The Grease high school, Venice High School is located at 13000 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles.

Die Hard

(1988)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Photo ©Sarah Davidson

Film Synopsis

New York City police officer, John McClane travels to LA to save his marriage on Christmas Eve. However, he’s not the only outsider heading to the Nakatomi Plaza for the company Christmas party; as terrorists take over and hold everyone and the building hostage. John may be the only man that can save them.

Starring

Bruce Willis (John McClane), Alan Rickman (Hans Gruber)

About The Die Hard Nakatomi Building Filming Location

When people visit Los Angeles, many make a point of tracking down the famed Nakatomi Plaza aka “the Die Hard building” during their visit. It is as iconic as the Hollywood sign here. This film was a hit, given the amount of sequels on offer. So it only makes sense that this location is so popular, especially for the male population.

In real life, the Die Hard building it’s the Fox Plaza Tower. Not the ‘Nakatomi’ obviously, but the building is the same as what it looked like in the film so one can really re-live their Die Hard dreams in LA. I mean c’mon – who doesn’t want to pretend they are Bruce Willis for a day right?

A picture with this building is a must if you love Die Hard and are in LA. Yippee-ki-yay and all that!

The Nakatomi building from Die Hard is located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, Los Angeles.

Friends

(1994 – 2004)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Six friends living in New York encounter all the issues that come along with adulthood: romance, career, friendship and more. Life isn’t always easy, but one liners and comedic moments make this one of the best sitcoms in TV history.

Starring

Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), David Schwimmer (Ross Gellar), Counteney Cox (Monica Gellar), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay).

About The Friends Central Perk Filming Location

There are two major locations of Friends that fans of the show can see in the United States. One is located in Los Angeles and the other in New York City (see the NYC section below for that one!). Like the Gilmore Girls locations; the Friends coffee house, Central Perk is located right at the end of the Warner Bros. Tour in Burbank for all to enjoy.

Visitors can sit on the couch and have their photo taken just like I did, in the re-created Central Perk set – which looks just how it appeared in the final scene of the final episode of Season 10. Seeing Central Perk is a must for any Friends fan given the number of endless iconic scenes that were shot here. It really does bring it all back when you see it – and the couch is pretty comfy too!

This is one of the major highlights on the Warner Bros tour – so don’t miss out on it.

The Warner Bros tour is located at  3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank.

La La Land

(2016)

By Ketki of Dotted Globe

Film Synopsis

La La Land  revolves around the life of two star-crossed lovers who must choose between their careers in Tinseltown and their relationship.

Starring

Ryan Gosling (Sebastian), Emma Stone (Mia)

About The La La Land Griffith Observatory Filming Location

La La Land, won six academy awards in 2016 and was shot at various locales in Los Angeles.

Ryan Gosling looks plain gorgeous throughout the movie and the songs are very catchy. One of the popular scenes has the couple visit Griffith Observatory and dance inside it. Griffith Observatory is an iconic LA location and is visited by thousands of visitors every day.

It is my favorite place in the city for a couple of reasons: interesting science exhibits, beautiful views of LA and for its reputation as a filming locale. Apart from La La Land, Griffith Observatory has been featured in various other movies including Rebel Without a Cause, The Terminator, and Transformers.

Visitors can also see a show inside the Planetarium theatre, where the La La Land characters dance to a song and the famous Foucault Pendulum which displays earth’s rotation. While I visited Griffith Observatory for the first time before La La Land was released, it felt great to see the Observatory pictured in the movie.

The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles.

This Is Us

(2016 – Present)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

The emotional story of two parents and their unique triplets, told in the present tense with flashbacks to the past.

Starring

Milo Ventimiglia (Jack), Mandy Moore (Rebecca), Chrissy Metz (Kate), Justin Hartley (Kevin), Sterling K. Brown (Randall)

About The This Is Us House Filming Location

This Is Us shot to the top of the ratings over the past 2 years, and rightfully so. It is so emotional – no matter what the episode. But, that’s what has helped it skyrocket to all the USA filming location lists. When I made it to the US last September, I knew I had to see the 2 houses I could get to which were Randall’s Mansion House and the Pearson family home (pre fire).

Randall’s house is actually located in Altadena – and when I saw it I recognised it immediately as the original house from 7th Heaven – which changed after the first episode to a house in Santa Monica. Randall lives here with his family in This Is Us and since he has really made a life for himself in the show, this is highlighted by the grandeur of his house and neighbourhood. The house is really impressive to look at though.

The Pearson house is located between Pasadena and Glendale in Eagle Rock, about a 15 minute drive from Randall’s house. This was where the Pearson family lived until a house fire gutted it and ultimately killed Jack due to his health issues which resulted from the smoke of the fire.

Both locations are worth seeing if you a fan of the show and are found in truly beautiful areas of Los Angeles – places I would happily live in. But there are heaps more out there to see – so I will be back to see more.

The This Is Us houses are located at:

Randall’s House is located at 1090 Rubio St, Altadena.

Pearson family home is located at 5223 Shearin Ave, Los Angeles.

Charmed

(1998 -2006)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Three sisters living in San Francisco, discover their destiny to battle against the forces of evil, using their special powers.

Starring

Shannen Doherty (Prue), Holly Marie Combs (Piper), Alyssa Milano (Phoebe), Rose McGowan (Paige)

About The Charmed House Filming Location

In the 1990s, Charmed was one of the hottest shows on television. Lasting 8 seasons, and establishing a new re-boot in 2018, it seems that the show still resonates with fans.

The Charmed  house is not located in San Francisco like many people like – thus the magic of Hollywood. But it is found in Los Angeles in a suburban area of Angelino Heights, a stone’s throw from Echo Park and Dodger Stadium. The house is pretty epic to see in the flesh. I saw so many locations the day I saw the Charmed house and pulling up unsure about what I was there to see was quickly resolved when I saw the house. I knew it was Charmed that I was standing in front of.

The Charmed house is located at 1329 Carroll Ave, Los Angeles.

Back To The Future

(1985)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

In this 1980’s classic, Marty McFly is transported back to the 1950’s – to the time his parents first met. To protect his own future existence, he must ensure his parents fall in love, as well as save the life of eccentric scientist Doc Brown upon his return.

Starring

Michael J. Fox (Marty), Christopher LLoyd (Doc), Lea Thompson (Lorraine)

About The Back To The Future House Filming Location

The Back To The Future  House is one of the most recognized in Hollywood history. And the street the house sits on is as well, because it is where that famous quote “where we’re going, we don’t need roads” is said at the conclusion of the film.

I have heard different accounts from people who have been to The Back To The Future house and some say the owners of the house are quite frustrated by the people who stop by and take photos of their house, and I even read that they wished the house had never been used in the film, but I didn’t find any of that when i went in Sept 2018 – though I didn’t stay too long just in case it was true!

But if you enjoy classic films and want to go truly back to the 80’s, then coming to see the Back To The Future house is a must! It really doesn’t get better than this! If you go to the top of the street too, you’ll recognise it as the place the “Lyon Estates” signs were located as well, which Marty skates past – which is pretty cool too.

The Back To The Future House is located at 9303 Roslyndale Avenue in Arleta, California. (Within the San Fernando Valley area).

 

– Buelleton, Santa Ynez, Solvang & Los Olivos –

Sideways

(2004)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

No California roadtrip is complete without wine – so why wouldn’t there be a film about a bachelor party long weekend, exploring the local wine areas of Buelleton, Los Olivos, Solvang and Santa Ynez? That’s exactly what Sideways did – although it was adapted from the novel of the same name too. Miles and Jack hit the road to celebrate Jack’s last days as a bachelor, but complications arise when Jack decides to have one last hurrah before tying the knot, with a local woman named Stephanie. Miles, while dealing with his own issues of becoming a published author, also finds himself caught up in a complicated relationship – as well as having to keep tabs on Jack.

Starring

Paul Giamatti (Miles), Thomas Haden Church (Jack), Sandra Oh (Stephanie), Virginia Madsen (Mya)

About The Sideways Tour Filming Locations

Fans of Sideways  can take the Sideways  self tour when visiting the Santa Barbara County region.

From staying at the Sideways Inn (where Miles and Jack stayed when exploring the area in Sideways; to eating dinner at The Hitching Post II (where Miles introduces Jack to Mya); the Wine Merchant Cafe in Los Olivos (where Miles demands that “we are not drinking any fucking Merlot!”) or indulging in breakfast at the Solvang Restaurant (there is a plaque on the booth Miles and Jack sit in); to drinking at any one of the wineries featured in the film, this is one cool area to explore if you love Sideways.

The wineries worth seeing as part of the Sideways  tour include:

Fess Parker (where Miles gets drunk and drinks out of the spit bucket) , Kalyra Winery (An Australian winery where Miles and Jack meet Stephanie), Foxen and Firestone.

The Santa Barbara county wine region is truly remarkable – and actually gives Napa Valley a run for its money. Whether you love the film or not, this is one region that must be explored if you are driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Do not miss it.

The Sideways Filming Locations Worth Seeing Are:

Sideways Inn, located at 114 E, CA-246, Buelleton

Hitching Post II, located at 406 E Hwy 246, Buellton

Solvang Restaurant, located at 1672 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang

Kalyra Winery, located at 343 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez

Fess Parker Winery, located at 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos

Wine Merchant Restaurant, located at 2879 Grand Ave, Los Olivos

 

– Death Valley National Park –

Star Wars

(1977)

By Melynda of Traveling Mel

Film Synopsis

A Galaxy is in the midst of war with the Imperial Forces under leader Darth Vader, holding Princess Leia hostage in a bid to quell a rebellion. Can Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, work together to help the Rebel Alliance restore freedom to the Galaxy – and save the Princess?

Starring

David Prowse (Darth Vader), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO).

About The Star Wars Death Valley Filming Location

When my sons and I were hiking through Mosaic Canyon in Death Valley National Park a few years ago, we ran into a Park Ranger. He started talking to us about the geology and biology of the park. It was very interesting. But, what really sparked the kids’ interest was finding out that parts of Star Wars, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and many others, was filmed partially in Death Valley.

The 1977 film, directed by George Lucas about a galaxy in the midst of a civil war, was filmed all over the world. Part of the movie takes place on a planet called Tatooine, and was filmed primarily in Tunisia. When they needed to do retakes after returning home, they used Death Valley as a stand in. Some of the places in Death Valley that were used in the film are:

-Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – scene where R2D2 goes his separate way after he and C3P0 crash their escape pod on Tatooine (spliced with footage shot in Tunisia)

-Artists Palette & Golden Canyon – Canyon where R2D2 is abducted by Jawas (spliced with footage shot at Sidi Bouhlel, Tunisia)

-Artist’s Drive – Where the miniature Sandcrawler was filmed for the shot of R2D2 being carried up to it by Jawas

-Desolation Canyon – Canyon where Tusken Raiders mount Bantha before Luke Skywalker is attacked (spliced with Sidi Bouhlel footage)

-Dante’s View – panoramic establishing shot of Mos Eisley (spliced with Sidi Bouhlel footage of Luke and Obi-Wan standing on rocky outcrop)

My kids are huge Star Wars fans, and I remember seeing it in the movie theaters when it was first released. Hiking in Death Valley took on even more mystique as we imagined it as Tatooine.

Death Valley National Park is located at 328 Greenland Blvd, Death Valley, California

 

– San Diego –

Some Like It Hot

(1959)

By Chris of Explore Now or Never

Film Synopsis

In this iconic romantic comedy, two male musicians dress in drag in order to skip town after Chicago mafia puts a hit out on them for witnessing a murder. They join an all-girl band headed to a gig in Florida, where they become enamored with fellow band mate and ukulele player “Sugar” (Marilyn Monroe). From there, it’s a crazy dust-up of mistaken identities and men in drag while one of the boys courts Sugar dressed as a millionaire and the other rebuffs the advances of a real millionaire. Love triumphs in the end, which is especially satisfying since this film flirts with the ideas of homosexuality…groundbreaking in its day.

Starring

Marilyn Monroe (Sugar Kane), Jack Lemmon (Jerry), Tony Curtis (Joe).

About The Some Like It Hot Filming Location

With its distinctive red roofs, palm trees, pergolas and white wood siding, The Hotel Del off the coast of San Diego on Coronado is immediately recognizable as the scene of beachy shenanigans from Some Like It Hot…almost 60 years after it was filmed there!

Hollywood style stars in the cement sidewalk just in front of the hotel commemorate the event with the names of director Billy Wilder and each of the major actors.  If you head up the stairs to view the swank pool with the Pacific just beyond, it’s easy to envision Marilyn on a film break here with a cocktail in hand. And just behind the hotel is Coronado’s famous Silver Strand State Beach…where families, teenagers, and other romantic adventurers are still swimming and sunning all these years later.

The Some Like It Hot hotel is located at 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado.

Top Gun

(1986)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis 

Hotshot fighter pilot Maverick has the skills in the sky as well as with the ladies. Sent to school to compete against the other Top Guns, can he land the top spot and the heart of flight instructor Charlotte? Full of action, romance, an epic 80’s soundtrack and 3 signature theme songs including “Dangerzone”, “Take My Breath Away” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”…what film has managed to intertwine classic music into it’s storyline as much as this? None!

Starring

Tom Cruise (Maverick), Anthony Edwards (Goose), Kelly McGillis (Charlotte), Val Kilmer (Iceman).

About The Top Gun Bar Filming Location

When one visits San Diego, Top Gun is everywhere – the naval presence, the bars and of course the coastal views. It’s not hard to remember that Top Gun is home to this amazing city. The ultimate highlight here in San Diego is Kansas City Barbeque – a historic and harbor district bar – which many refer to as ‘the Top Gun bar’.

The food is really good here – the BBQ sauce is to die for. And the Top Gun memorabilia and naval themes here make it a fantastic place to visit when dining in San Diego.

The actual part of the barbeque where filming of Top Gun took place is the restaurant interior area on the left hand side when you walk in. This is the scene where Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan sing “Great Balls of Fire”, at the piano with Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. The bar area was not used in the filming but still has memorabilia all around – including the famous piano they sang on which has been placed in the corner of the left hand side of the establishment – where the bar itself is.

On a side note – many people ask if the Top Gun house, the house Kelly McGillis lives is still standing? It is.

The Top Gun house, is located about 40 minutes from San Diego. Everything around it has been demolished – but not the house because of its historical significance within the film but also the area, as it is one of the last cottages still standing since it was built in the 1880s. Though it is not in the best state either. It has been proposed that it will be saved and restored – even though developers are planning to build a hotel on the vacant lot next to it. The city has confirmed fans will still be able to visit the house, but hopefully it begins to look a lot better than the state it is currently once they do this.

The address for Kansas City Barbeque is 600 W Harbor Dr, San Diego.

The address for the Top Gun house is 102 N Pacific St, Oceanside.

 

– San Francisco –

Full House

(1987 – 1995)

By Constance of The Adventures Of Panda Bear

TV Show Synopsis

Every single Full House fanatic knows about the famous ‘Painted Ladies’ that are shown in the opening credits of Full House from season 4. The TV show Full House, was about the Tanner family’s life in San Francisco, California. This location is where the Tanner family have a picnic in Alamo Square park with Postcard Row in the background.

Starring

Bob Saget (Danny Tanner), Candace Cameron (DJ Tanner), Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner), John Stamos (Uncle Jesse), Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey), and Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner).

About the Full House Filming Location

The Painted Ladies are also known as “Postcard Row” because they are often featured in postcards. These 7 colorful homes are a set of California Victorian houses located by Alamo Square in San Francisco.

It is definitely a popular spot for fans of Full House to visit even though the houses aren’t actually in the show, they used another house as a stand-in at 1709 Broderick Street.

We’ve seen so many fans of the show visit and take photos with the houses. The homeowners take care to maintain the homes so they are always beautifully colored and the Victorian details are gorgeous to behold.

As fans of the show, we loved visiting the Painted Ladies, but Alamo Square has also gotten super crowded because of the homes. People will double park on the street just so they can take a photo and tour buses will pass by to join in on the fun. In that sense, it isn’t the most relaxing spot in San Francisco, but it is still worth a visit. Just be sure to follow traffic rules and stay safe.

Alamo Square is located at Steiner St & Hayes St, San Francisco.

Mrs Doubtfire

(1993)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A father who will do anything to see his children following his divorce, dresses up as a British housekeeper called Mrs Doubtfire and is unknowingly hired by his ex-wife to look after their children.

Starring

Robin Williams (Daniel Hillard /Mrs Doubtfire), Sally Field (Miranda Hillard)

About the Mrs Doubtfire Filming Location

The Mrs Doubtfire house is one of the most famous San Francisco filming locations of all time. It’s so popular that pretty much every time I have been – another fan has always been there; plus when Robin Williams died, which truly gutted me; fans placed flowers right here on the front stoop, because this was the epitome of film locations to do with this film and Robin Williams.

The Mrs Doubtfire house is located on Steiner Street, just like the address in the film. It remains one of the most famous movie houses of all time and rightfully so – it is magnificent. Although with a tree in the front area of the house now, it does look a little different to how it appeared in the film.

If you are in San Francisco, this is one must stop location in a really nice, but hilly area. And on a further note, the Party of Five house is literally around the corner (follow the corner the Mrs Doubtfire house is on along Broadway and it’s 100 metres or so from there) at 2311 Broadway, San Francisco.

The Mrs Doubtfire house is located at 2640 Steiner St, San Francisco.

Sister Act

(1992)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

©Wikimedia Commons

Film Synopsis

Deloris, a Reno lounge singer goes into witness protection after witnessing her mobster boyfriend commit a murder. A detective places her in a convent in San Francisco, where she does anything but keep a low profile. Can she stay safe or will the mobsters get to her?

Starring

Whoopi Goldberg (Deloris Van Cartier), Kathy Najimy (Sister Mary Patrick), Harvey Keitel (Vince), Maggie Smith (Mother Superior)

About the Sister Act  Church Filming Location

I have managed to get to this location once – but only because I had a car. I don’t recommend catching public transport or walking down this way from the San Francisco CBD area as it won’t take you through the best neighbourhoods. Take a bus tour that will go past it if nothing else if you aren’t planning on hiring a car.

That said, the Sister Act church is one of the coolest filming locations you can see in San Francisco. Standing there in front of a place you have seen so many times – because who hasn’t seen Sister Act 100 times right? is such a memorable moment. This location really took me back to childhood, and the area does look pretty similar to how it did in the film. Thus it is so easy to picture scenes in the film and hear “Just A Touch of Love” in your head as you stand there and take it all in. If you’re lucky enough to be there when a church service is taking place – you can even go inside.

I loved seeing this location – I just wish I could find my photo of it but for now this one will have to do in the meantime.

The Sister Act church is located at 221 Valley St, San Francisco.

The Princess Diaries

(2001)

By Laura from What’s Hot

Film Synopsis

Mia Thermopolis is a perfectly ordinary awkward teenager. Then suddenly she finds out that she’s actually a princess and heir to the throne of Genovia! She embarks on a journey to learn all the ins and outs of royal life with the help of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi.

Starring

Anne Hathaway (Mia) Julie Andrews (Queen Renaldi)

About The Princess Diaries filming location

The Princess Diaries is set in San Francisco and there are a couple of filming locations dotted around the city. The most fun filming location to visit is the arm wrestling machine in the Musee Mecanique, where Mia takes her grandmother on a day out in the bay. I had to visit myself so I could see if I could beat the machine! Whilst I thought the machine’s strength was all for show in the movie, it turns out it’s actually pretty damn strong – I didn’t stand a chance.

It was my first visit to San Francisco so I feel like I experienced all the same emotions as Queen Clarisse as I discovered more about sprawling San Francisco and slowly fell in love with it. I even tried a corn dog, just like they did! I was so happy to discover that these parts of the film were real locations, as “Genovia” most definitely does not exist!

The Princess Diaries arm wrestling machine is located at Musee Mecanique at Pier 45, Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco.

 

-Monterey & Big Sur-

Big Little Lies

(2017 – Present)

By Mary Beth of MBSees

TV Show Synopsis

Big Little Lies is based on Liane Moriarty’s book of the same name, about a murder mystery involving three well-to-do moms who live seemingly perfect lives by the beach.

Starring

Reese Witherspoon (Madeline), Nicole Kidman (Celeste), Shailene Woodley (Jane). Meryl Streep has been introduced for the second season.

About the Big Little Lies Filming Locations

I recently got to see Big Little Lies filming in Pacific Grove, California, and it was a mini-bucket list moment!

I’ll be honest, I had never watched the HBO series before discovering that it filmed in my newly-adopted hometown. I found out after a local casting call for the show in Monterey which, of course, I had to attend! While I didn’t get a role, my excitement knowing it would be filming just a mile from my house was too much – I had to go see for myself. The park I work-out at was suddenly transformed into a film set with Reese, Nicole and Meryl strolling around on the same patch of grass where I exercise three time a week… eeeeekkkk!!! For 3 days, I stood behind the police line with dozens of other fans, anxiously watching these fabulous ladies film scenes for the upcoming season.

Now that I’ve seen it being filmed, I can’t not  watch Big Little Lies. It’s pretty cool seeing a television show, knowing you were standing just off to the side at the exact moment that episode was taped. I yell, “I’ve been to that park!” and “I ate at that restaurant!” and “I was there!” every time I see a place I recognize on Big Little Lies. It never gets old!

Lovers Point Park is located at 631 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove.

 

Georgia

– Savannah –

Forrest Gump

(1994)

By Erin of Sand Sun & Messy Buns

Film Synopsis

If you’re not familiar with Forrest Gump, the movie tells the tale of a simple man from Alabama who lives an extraordinary life filled with memorable adventures. Forrest, brilliantly played by Tom Hanks, always found himself in the right place at the right time to witness – and become an active participant in – some of the most important moments in history. Forrest narrates the story of his life from a bench located on Chippewa Square in Savannah, and the spot where he famously sat with his box of chocolates is still one of the most-photographed locations in Savannah.

Starring

Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump), Sally Field (Mama Gump), Gary Sinese (Lt. Dan), Robyn Wright (Jenny)

About The Forrest Gump Bus Stop Filming Location

Most tourists don’t realize the bench isn’t actually located IN the square! The bench was a prop designed specifically for the movie, and it was placed along the road on the north side of the square, where you see the Chippewa sign in this photo. (The sidewalk beneath the bench was part of the prop!)

Paramount Studios created 4 benches for the movie, and they donated one to the city of Savannah. It currently sits in the Savannah History Museum, which is located inside the Savannah Welcome Center. It’s roped off in the museum, so unfortunately you can’t take a selfie on it.

You can, however, still dine in Jenny’s Café. It currently goes by the name Debi’s Diner.

Thanks to Georgia’s numerous tax credits for filmmakers, plus the presence of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah has become known as the “Hollywood of the East Coast” in recent years. It’s common to spot celebrities (Chloe Sevigny and AnnaSophie Robb are currently in town, amongst others.)

In the past month, I’ve been on the set of Goodbye Stranger, Disney’s upcoming live-action Lady and the Tramp movie, multiple times. I was able to watch as they added fake snow to the treetops and brought in snow machines to turn our Southern streets into a wintry wonderland!

No matter when you visit Savannah, there’s a good chance you’ll spot celebrities and/or film crews in action. It’s incredibly fun to watch movies such as Forrest Gump, The Conspirator, or Forces of Nature, and then visit the actual locations in town! Others must love it as much as I do, because Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is widely credited with putting Savannah on the tourism map! Tourism from that book and the following movie is still going 20 years later.

Chippewa Square is located on Bull Street, Savannah.

Debi’s Diner and is located on 10 W. State Street, Savannah.

Savannah History Museum is located at 303 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah.

 

Hawaii

– Oahu –

Jurassic Park

(1993)

By Michelle of Travel Fun Fam

Film Synopsis

Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe, Hawaii is commonly known as Jurassic Valley. As you may have guessed from the nickname, it’s where the famous Jurassic Park trilogy and the newer Jurassic World movies have all been filmed. The movies tell the story of John Hammond, a  billionaire that created a theme park where the main attraction is dinosaurs. What could possibly go wrong? Right?

Starring

Even if you have not seen any of the films, over the years Jurassic has become a synonym for dinosaur thanks to actors like Sam Neill (Alan Grant), Jeff Goldblum (Ian Malcolm), Julianne Moore (Dr. Sarah Harding) and most recently Chris Pratt (Owen).

About The Jurassic Park Filming Location

As soon as you arrive you will feel like you are entering the Jurassic zone and will find yourself humming the theme anthem. Many things in the movies are edited but the mountains and all the greenery found in the area cannot be replicated. It’s nature at its best after all!

We certainly did not want to leave and, of course, when we got home we watched a few of the other movies filmed at Kualoa Ranch mentioned by the tour guide. Suddenly, we started to see past the Hollywood magic since we knew what was real and what was green screen or photo shopped. However, it is still amazing to watch the movie and say “that’s by the field near the dead tree!”, or “that’s by the 50 First Dates road!”

Truly a unique experience that changed the way we view movies filmed in Hawaii.

Kualoa Ranch is located at 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

(2008)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Photos provided by Julie Barker and Katy from Untold Morsels

©Julie Barker

Film Synopsis

A heartbroken musician from Los Angeles heads to Hawaii to forget about his ex-girlfriend, tv star Sarah Marshall – who happens to be at the same Hawaiian resort – with her new singer boyfriend. Can he get over her with the help of a customer service representative named Rachel?

Starring

Jason Segel (Peter Bretter), Kristen Bell (Sarah Marshall), Russell Brand (Aldous Snow), Mila Kunis (Rachel Jansen).

About The Forgetting Sarah Marshall Filming Location

©KatyClarke

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of Hawaii’s most notable films and truly makes this destination shine on film.

The hotel which featured in the film is not in Honolulu like many expect it to be. It is located in Oahu, but on the North Shore region at one of the most well-known hotels in that area, The Turtle Bay Resort Hotel.

©KatyClarke

Many features of The Turtle Bay were included in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, including the front reception desk, hotel lobby, grounds and some of the exterior suites and villas. However, they have renovated and changed things since the filming so it doesn’t look entirely the same as it did in the film in those areas as you can see by the photos.

I am dying to stay here and explore the North Shore a lot more, but currently live vicariously through my mates Julie and Katy who shared their photos with me for the purpose of being included in this post.

The Turtle Bay Hotel is located at 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, Hawaii.

 

Illinois

 

– Chicago –

My Best Friend’s Wedding

(1997)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

After making a pact that they marry if they are both single when they turn 28, Julianne and Michael’s friendship becomes complicated when he meets and proposes to 20-something Kimmy. With only 4 days notice of the impending nuptials, can Julianne win the heart of her best friend before she loses it to someone else?

Starring

Julia Roberts (Julianne), Dermot Mulroney (Michael), Cameron Diaz (Kimmy), Rupert Everett (George)

About The My Best Friend’s Wedding Union Station Filming Location

Chicago is often featured in Hollywood films, and when My Best Friend’s Wedding  was released it did help put Chicago back on the map for Hollywood. While many locations for the film were filmed in Chicago, one location is a real highlight from My Best Friend’s Wedding, and that is Union Station right in the heart of Chicago.

Featured in an array of films including The Untouchables, Union Station is where Julianne finds Michael. He is looking for Kimmy after she sees Julianne and Michael kiss – throwing the wedding into jeopardy. It is here that Julianne realises she doesn’t love Michael like she thought she did, and in fact wants him to marry Kimmy and be truly happy. She comes clean about every plan she created to sabotage the wedding and promises Michael that she will find Kimmy so he can marry her as planned, which she ends up doing.

Union Station is a truly stunning location in Chicago – whether you love the films shot here or just love seeing historic buildings. There are many beautiful train stations in the United States but this one is one of the prettiest and just from the photo you can see why. The fact that a pivotal scene was shot right here from My Best Friend’s Wedding only adds to it’s charm for fans when visiting. Union Station even get in on the film location aspect with a set up of film posters with information about what films where shot at Union Station. So, it’s nice that they expect film fans to visit for this reason – as much as catching a train is fun!

Union Station is located at 225 S Canal St, Chicago.

 

– Winnetka –

Home Alone

(1990)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

An 8 year old boy named Kevin McCallister, is left home alone when his family accidentally leave for their trip to Paris without him. Given it’s Christmas, burglars are on the prowl, including idiot “wet bandits” Marv and Harry, who underestimate Kevin and his determination to protect his house. Can he do it?

Starring

Macaulay Culkin (Kevin),  Joe Pesci (Harry), Daniel Stern (Marv).

About The Home Alone House Filming Location

If there was one filming location I wanted to see in my life, it was the Home Alone house. And luckily for me – I have now seen it twice! However, not everyone is so lucky because the owners started fixing the house up over the past couple of years so it hasn’t been easy to see with fencing up all around it. (And apparently the garage has been demolished).

When they can eventually see it in all it’s former glory, fans of the film can reminisce about all the major scenes that took place right here, including Kevin’s famous “I’m not afraid anymore!” speech. It never gets old – and that scream haha!

That said, this is one location people trek to when visiting Chicago. It is a short train ride out to the suburbs from Chicago’s Ogilvie Station to the town of Winnetka. The Home Alone church is located in Wilmette, the next town over. I find it a highlight to venture out into the outer towns of Chicago because they are as picturesque as they appear on screen. Lovely houses, beautiful tree lined streets and safe feeling neighborhoods. No ‘wet bandits” here.

The Home Alone house is located at 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, Illinois (and the Murphy’s house is right across the road from it too at 656 Lincoln Ave!)

 

– Woodstock –

Groundhog Day

(1993)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

An egotistical weatherman re-lives “Groundhog Day” over and over again, an event which takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Februaury 2nd every year – much to his frustration. No matter what he does, he cannot escape it – not even by death. So he starts to help the people of Punxsutawney in a bid to win the heart of his producer, Rita.

Starring

Bill Murray (Phil), Andie McDowall (Rita)

About The Groundhog Day Filming Locations

Groundhog Day takes place every year in Puxutauney, Pennsylvania, where the Groundhog may predict 6 more weeks of Winter. But for the filming of Groundhog Day, this took place in a very small, blink and you’ll miss it town, Woodstock, Illinois, about 90 minutes’ train ride outside Chicago.

Best of all, the entire Woodstock town celebrates it’s standing as being the Groundhog Day town, which is great for fans when they visit. They even have a self-guided tour map and plaques around the city that people can use, to enjoy all the sites from the film whether it is Gobbler’s Knob itself, the Bed and Breakfast Phil stays in which is actually an inn you can stay in called Royal Victorian Manor; the hotel Rita stays in called the Pennsylvanian Hotel, which is actually the Woodstock Opera House, the diner, the bowling alley or even the street where Phil steps in an icy puddle after talking to Ned Ryerson. Bing!

All the good memories of Groundhog Day are found right here and pretty much look exactly the same as they did in the film, beyond a few modern improvements. Which is why fans really relish coming here.

When I visited Woodstock, I experienced a major train delay due to a personal incident on the tracks between Chicago and Woodstock, which meant the 90 minute journey took over 5 hours – we literally sat on the train for that long! I ended up with about an hour in Woodstock before I had to get back to Chicago. But I managed to see it all (I had to run between places) and look forward to returning for a proper visit on another trip. I will drive next time though. Woodstock is a cute as hell town, and is well worth a visit, particularly if you love Groundhog Day.

The Groundhog Day filming locations worth seeing are:

Gobbler’s Knob is located at the Southwest Corner of Woodstock Square Park.

Phil’s Bed & Breakfast The Cherry Street Inn, Royal Vicotiran Manor is located at 344 Fremont Street, Woodstock. 

Pennsylvanian Hotel, The Woodstock Opera Hotel is located at 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock

The street Phil steps in a puddle is located at 100 Cass Street, Woodstock. 

 

Iowa

– Winterset –

Bridges of Madison County

(1995)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A housewife whose husband and children are away on a trip, embarks on a life changing love affair with a man who is in town to photograph the historic bridges of Madison County. This is no sordid love story, but a tragic one about finding your soulmate – too late.

Starring

Meryl Streep (Francesca), Clint Eastwood (Robert)

About The Bridges of Madison County Filming Locations

Iowa is often called a flyover state. But it shouldn’t be.

Nestled less than an hour’s drive from Des Moines, sits Winterset, Iowa. A town which is home to many amazing things. Winterset is the setting for the novel “The Bridges of Madison County”, and the subsequent film which followed. But it is also home to an American icon of history – the house that country western actor and Hollywood icon John Wayne was born in. There is also a birthplace museum all about him there too.

But the ultimate highlight here in Winterset for film lovers, or just those who love beautiful places, are the 6 covered bridges of Madison County. Where are the Bridges of Madison located? Five of the bridges are located within Winterset’s town limits, and one is located in the neighbouring town of St Charles. The covered bridge which featured in The Bridges of Madison County however is the Holliwell Bridge. Constructed in 1880, this bridge is a true highlight – but all of them are lovely to visit. The Winterset Visitors Center in the main town square has props from the film on show, which is a really lovely touch, including the ironing board Meryl Streep’s character used in the film.

Visitors can take a self-tour of the bridges which takes around 2-2.5 hours if you pace yourself well. If you want longer, you can stretch it out. You can read all about the Bridges of Madison Country self tour I took right here.

The Holliwell Bridge is located at 123 Holliwell Bridge Rd, Winterset, Iowa.

 

Louisiana

– New Orleans –

Girls Trip

(2017)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Four best friends embark on New Orleans for Essence Fest for the ultimate girl’s trip! Nothing can go wrong…right?

Starring

Jada Pinkett-Smith (Lisa), Tiffany Haddish (Dina), Queen Latifah (Sasha), Regina Hall (Ryan)

About the Girls Trip Carousel Bar Filming Location

Girls Trip was one of the breakout successes for 2017, and if you have seen it you’ll understand why. It’s truly hilarious.

One filming location that is well worth seeing – and it’s a hidden gem location that tourists don’t always know about when visiting New Orleans – is the Hotel Monteleone and it’s iconic Carousel Bar.

The hotel and the Carousel Bar feature in the film so for fans, it is like stepping into the film. I loved just walking around taking photos and picturing all of the scenes that took place here. The Carousel Bar is an icon in New Orleans – in line with the status of beignets. (Eat some at Cafe Du Monde!) Girls Trip filmed here during the scenes where the girls check into their hotel and see Ryan’s husband talking to another woman, so it is a memorable part of the film.

The Carousel Bar does turn like a carousel – but at a really slow pace! But it is still cool to sit in and have a drink. It opens at 11am and there are always people waiting – so bear that in mind when you visit.

The Carousel Bar from Girls Trip is located at 214 Royal St, New Orleans (inside the Hotel Monteleone).

 

– Vacherie –

The Skeleton Key

(2005)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Caroline, a nurse living in New Orleans quits her job at a local hospice to work for Violet, an elderly woman whose husband has suffered a stroke. After getting suspicious about Ben’s illness, and the mysterious history of the mansion, Caroline realizes that Violet is keeping a sinister secret.

Starring

Kate Hudson (Caroline), Gena Rowlands (Violet), John Hunt (Ben), Peter Sarsgaard (Luke)

About the Skeleton Key House Filming Location

Louisiana is full of plantation homes – which are 100% worth visiting. One plantation home which currently is not available to tour, but accessible if you gain permission like I did, is the Felicity Plantation which is located in Plantation County, an hour outside New Orleans. The Felicity Plantation is where The Skeleton Key was filmed.

What I love about the Felicity Plantation is it looks like how it did in the film – except the backyard area which was built on for the film and removed. There is no bayou or pier on the Felicity Plantation.

So how did I get access to a plantation that doesnt run tours or is open to the public? I emailed the owner – who happens to own and run tours for the neighbouring Plantation, St Joseph Plantation, a sugar cane plantation that is well worth touring to learn the history of the region. The owner allowed me access and took me over there herself so I could take some photos of it. I will forever be in debt to her for that! It was a dream come true, and I had it all to myself.

The Felicity Plantation is not currently open for tours but it is being renovated and tidied up so that tours can be run here in the near future. Once this happens, I will update about it all here.

The Felicity Plantation is located at 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, Louisiana. 

Interview With The Vampire

(1994)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Louis, an 18th Century Lord is turned into a vampire due to his suicidal thoughts about the loss of his family by Lestat, a vampire. Louis is interviewed about his life by a San Francisco journalist in present day, which sees him reflect on his maker, who he wishes to leave but its guilted into staying with after a 10 year old girl is turned.

Starring

Brad Pitt (Louis), Tom Cruise (Lestat), Kirsten Dunst (Claudia), Christian Slater (Daniel)

About The Interview With The Vampire Filming Location

Although many films and television shows have shot here including Days Of Our Lives, it is Interview With The Vampire  which remains the most famous – unless you count Beyonce’s Deja Vu video? – to film at Oak Alley Plantation.

Oak Alley Plantation is a stunning property located a few minutes from the Felicity Plantation, and is famed for it’s Oak Alley pathway which leads to the Plantation home. Tours are available at Oak Alley – or if you are short on time, just pay admission and enjoy the grounds. I can guarantee you will spend at least 30 minutes photographing and having photos taken of yourself on the Oak Alley pathway no matter what you do. But it is a great tour and well worth doing to understand the history of this home and how it compares to other plantation homes in Plantation County.

Whether you are a fan of Interview With The Vampire, Beyonce or whatever else filmed here – you will never forget a visit here. It is truly stunning!

Oak Alley Plantation is located at 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, Louisiana.

 

Massachusetts

– Boston –

Good Will Hunting

(1996)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Will Hunting has a genius-level IQ, but works as a janitor at MIT. When he is the only person to solve a difficult math problem, his talent is discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire.

Starring

Matt Damon (Will Hunting), Minnie Driver (Skylar), Stellan Skarsgard (Gerald Lambeau), Robin Williams (Sean Maguire), Ben Affleck (Chuckie)

About the Good Will Hunting Park Bench Filming Location

Boston is a great city to visit. But one filming location that should not be missed – even if it hadn’t made it into the film Good Will Hunting, is the Boston Public Gardens. Here there is an expansive landscape of greenery, with ponds and boat rides and just stunning scenery existing everywhere.

For fans of the film, it’s seeing the park bench where Robin Williams and Matt Damon sit (which when Williams passed away, was also turned into a shrine by fans, like the Mrs Doubtfire house was too). In the scene, Williams’s character Sean serves Damon (Will) with a monologue about his past and about loving his wife who he lost to cancer and being so vulnerable with her that he truly felt loved. He talks about the fact that Will hides behind books, and doesn’t take real chances in his life, be vulnerable and if he wants to live a great life that he needs to look at how he is living his right now. That if he is willing to open up about himself to Sean, to take those steps, that Sean will be there.

This scene is one of the most memorable in cinematic history. It is a highlight in the film thanks to the quote “You’re move, Chief”, and the setting only makes it stronger. To sit on this park bench and take it all in is a rite of passage in Boston and should not be missed whether you love the film or just a scenic place. It was a huge deal for me to sit here and think of this scene when I visited Boston.

The Good Will Hunting  park bench is located in Boston Public Garden, right in line of the statue of George Washington. (Arlington Street Entrance)

Cheers

(1982 – 1993)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

A Boston bar where everybody knows your name. Resident bartender Sam is in love with Diane (and then Rebecca). In between his love pursuits, he serves liquid gold to all the regulars at the bar with some of the most well-known characters in television history, Frasier Crane starting out right here.

Starring

Ted Danson (Sam), Reah Pearlman (Carla), Kelsey Grammer (Frasier), Shelley Long (Diane), Kirstie Alley (Rebecca), Woody Harrelson (Woody).

About The Cheers Bar Filming Location 

Is the Cheers bar a real bar? Unfortunately not. This Cheers Bar location wasn’t used in the actual filming of Cheers, but it is the ultimate filming location for most people traveling to the USA, because it is the bar that Cheers was based on. The exterior of the bar was used as a stock shot for the bar though, like many tv shows and films out there, so it’s still a decent filming location to go to.

The Cheers bar is popular, and because of the continued interest in the bar as a filming location, a modern day replica has been built on the first floor of the building. But it is only a replica and not the exact bar which was used in the filming of the show. But, it’s as close as you’ll get to the real thing, which is still really cool!

The Cheers bar is located at 84 Beacon St, Boston.

 

Nevada

– Las Vegas –

The Hangover

(2009)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Two days before his wedding, Doug and his groomsmen travel to Las Vegas for his bachelor party. The next morning they wake up with no memory of the night before, Doug is missing and the antics of the night only serve to get worse as they recount their steps to remember it and find Doug so he can make it back in time to say I do.

Starring

Bradley Cooper (Phil), Zack Galifianakis (Alan), Ed Helms (Stu), Justin Bartha (Doug), Ken Jeong (Mr Chow)

About The Hangover  Filming Locations

When one visits Vegas, The Hangover  is the one film which people think of. There are a number of filming locations for The Hangover  on offer in Las Vegas. But the major one that was used is Caesar’s Palace. The hotel entrance, foyer and swimming pool of Caeser’s Palace were all used in the filming of The Hangover – so an even better experience for fans would be staying here to really get the complete Hangover experience.

The Las Vegas Strip was also featured in the film, as well as a few places off the Strip, including the empty lot opposite the Luxor where Mr Chow first appears, and Atomic Liquors, a dive bar that is open for drinking – and a local favourite when exploring Fremont Street; which is the location where the car accident happens that the guys are involved in with Mr Chow.

And just in case you’re wondering – No, the real Caesar did not live here and the hotel is not pager friendly.

Caesar’s Palace is located at 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas.

 

New Mexico

– Albuquerque –

Breaking Bad

(2008-2012)

By Helen of Differentville

TV Show Synopsis

When chemistry teacher Walter White is diagnosed with lung cancer he decides to start a sideline to make some extra money for his family – cooking crystal meth with local drug dealer Jessie Pinkman. AMC’s Breaking Bad ran for five seasons and is widely thought of as one of the most iconic TV shows of the decade.

Starring

Bryan Cranston (Walter White) , Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman), Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman)

About The Breaking Bad Filming Locations

When your partner is THE biggest Breaking Bad fan and he has his 5oth birthday coming up, there’s only one place to take him to celebrate – Albuquerque – the city where Breaking Bad was filmed.

You don’t have to search hard to find where the show was shot – the location of almost every scene has been documented online. You want to go to the Tiki bar where Combo sells drugs – hit up Burt’s Tiki Lounge (it’s not at all scary in real life!), you want to sweeten your coffee with stevia in the café where Lydia gets her comeuppance – it’s all good, The Grove Cafe & Market has packs on the table. And talking of tables, Garduno’s on Louisiana Blvd is where to go if you want guacamole mixed at yours – awkward silence not included.  The Visit Albuquerque tourist board even offer a self-drive map.

The most iconic locations include the homes of the main characters – Walter White and Jessie Pinkman – although the people who live in the homes had no idea what they were signing up for when they started this thing. As such, the couple who live in Walter White’s house recently put up a fence to try and stop people throwing pizzas on the roof to try and get a particularly iconic shot. Jessie’s house has also had a few alterations and doesn’t look quite the same perhaps to stop the pilgrims.

Still standing though is the Octopus Car Wash (known as A1 in the series) that Walt sets up to launder his money – and they were pretty okay with people wandering in to take pictures. The laundry where Gus Fring sets up his meth lab is less open to visitors, but you can see the outside. Lawyer Saul Goodman’s office is also still standing – a restaurant called Hooligans in the middle of a strip mall – possibly waiting for its new appearance in Better Call Saul.

Sadly, the highlight of the trip for us is no more. On Walt’s birthday, he’s alone and broken and he goes to Denny’s for his traditional free breakfast, making a number 50 in bacon. It was the number one thing my partner wanted to do on his 50th and the waitress made sure he ordered the same breakfast and sat in the same chair as Walt. But progress stops for no-one and the Denny’s closed shortly after we visited. The famous Twisties that stands in for the Los Pollos Hermanos is still standing though and has a handy sign for you to take pics next to on the wall.

I could go on and on as there are so many Breaking Bad locations in Albuquerque that you can visit. But, if you want to pick up a souvenir from your trip make your last stop the Candy Lady in the Old Town – she made the famous blue meth for filming and you can buy it in little baggies – complete with a note for the TSA in case they open your suitcase!

Breaking Bad is of course no more, but it’s prequel Better Call Saul is still filming in the city – even now we shout ‘we’ve been there’ when we see them sitting in the Route 66 diner. Bryan Cranston however, does still own a home in the city – so keep an eye out in his favourite restaurant El Pinto. That man in the hat and glasses might be EXACTLY who you think he is.

The Breaking Bad locations can be found at various locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 

New York

– New York City –

Breakfast At Tiffany’s

(1961)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Based on the novel by Truman Capote, Breakfast At Tiffany’s is the story of Holly Golightly, a superficial New York socialite. Paul Varjak, a struggling writer, moves into her building and they become friends. Ultimately Paul falls in love with Holly but will she reciprocate his feelings or follow her own ambitions instead?

Starring

Audrey Hepburn (Holly Golightly), George Peppard (Paul Varjak), Mickey Rooney (Mr Yunioshi)

About The Breakfast At Tiffany’s Filming Location

Nothing says New York other than Tiffany & Co – a jewelry store which sees millions enter it’s doors just to say they have been there.

When it comes to the film Breakfast At Tiffany’s however, it is the opening shot of Audrey Hepburn getting out of a taxi and standing in front of Tiffany & Co eating breakfast at sunrise which remains iconic. Her outfit in this scene is mimicked to this day on any Halloween, with Hepburn dressed to the nines in a long, black cocktail dress, pearls around her neck, dark sunglasses on with her hair in an up-do.

This is quintessential classic New York City, and if one was to recount Hollywood’s most memorable moments, this would easily be in the top 5 of all time. You don’t need to have seen this film to know what this outfit and scene represents. So why would you miss seeing it when you’re in New York?

On a side note, Sweet Home Alabama also filmed here – where Patrick Dempsey proposes to Reese Witherspoon, and outside Tiffany’s is where Trey proposes to Charlotte in Sex and the City.  So this location is very much a romance one these days!

Tiffany and Co is located at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, New York City. 

Sex & The City

(1998-2004)

By Melissa of Thrifty Family Travels

TV Show Synopsis

Sex and the City is a TV series which has also been turned into two movies.  Both the TV series and films follows the life of Carrie Bradshaw, a columnist working in Manhattan, as well as her three best friends Samantha,
Charlotte and Miranda.

Starring

Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie), Kim Cattrall (Samantha), Kristin Davis (Charlotte) and Cynthia Nixon (Miranda).

About The Sex and the City  Apartment Filming Location

It was pretty surreal standing outside Carrie Bradshaw’s house. Having seen it countless numbers of time over the years whilst watching the show, I kept waiting for her to pop out the door or to walk down the street after being out partying all night.

It was pretty easy to spot the house as there were quite a few other fans out the front taking photographs. I used to watch Sex and the City as a young single female, so I really relate to the show as I was going through similar things at the time with dating and friends etc.  Plus it was just super cool seeing Manhattan – such a cool city. I haven’t seen the show or film since visiting her house, but I do suspect next time to do watch it, it will feel rather different now having been there and knowing what the surrounding area looked like.

The Sex and the City  apartment, aka Carrie’s apartment is located at 66 Perry Street, New York City.

Friends

(1994 – 2004)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Six friends living in New York encounter all the issues that come along with adulthood: romance, career, friendship and more. Life isn’t always easy, but one liners and comedic moments make this one of the best sitcoms in TV history.

Starring

Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), David Schwimmer (Ross Gellar), Counteney Cox (Monica Gellar), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)

About the Friends Building Filming Location

Besides the Warner Brothers tour where you can sit in the real Central Perk coffee house, the next best thing for Friends fans is to see the apartment building that was used in the show. Although the interior was a set, the exterior is not.

When exploring the Village in New York City, a detour to the Friends building is a must. Every time I am there, I see someone taking a photo of this building. It’s that popular – about the same as Carrie’s Apartment in Sex and the City, which isn’t too far from this location.

On a side note, this building has been used for more than Friends. It was also the location of the romantic comedy starring Catherine Zeta Jones and Aaron Eckhart, No Reservations. In the closing scene of that film, the cafe on the ground level of the building was the ‘restaurant’ the characters opened…so there is some trivia for you!

To visit New York City and not visit the Friends apartment building would be blasphemy – so make sure you stop here!

The Friends apartment building is located at 90 Bedford Street, at the corner of Grove Street, New York City. 

Seinfeld

(1989-1998)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Seinfeld follows a New York stand up comic, and his neurotic friends as they circumnavigate friendship, dating and more in a show that is literally about ‘nothing’.

Starring

Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry), Jason Alexander (George), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Elaine), Michael Richards (Kramer)

About The Seinfeld Restaurant Filming Location

Seinfeld is a show that is set in New York City – but it was actually filmed in LA and the Seinfeld apartment exterior is in LA as well. However, one of the icons of the show, the local diner restaurant called Monk’s is located in New York City and is a real restaurant which has been serving New Yorkers since the 1940’s.

The restaurant exterior is not hard to recognise given how often it appeared in the show and is actually a restaurant called ‘Tom’s Restaurant’, located right within reach of Columbia University. But the interior of the restaurant was not used in the show, that was a set in LA made specifically for Seinfeld. However, fans continue to trek to eat here, just so they can say they did…so why not join in on the fun and do it too? Maybe eat a big salad?

The Seinfeld Restaurant, Tom’s Restaurant is located at West 112th Street and Broadway, New York City. 

Home Alone 2

(1992)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A young boy, who was already left Home Alone on a previous Christmas, is heading to Florida with his family for another Christmas vacation. In their rush to get to the plane, Kevin loses his family in the airport, and ends up on a plane to New York City. Shacked up at The Plaza Hotel in New York, it’s not long before he’s discovered by his enemies and ‘wet bandits’, Harry and Marv, who want revenge for his last ‘alone’ stint; as well as the hotel concierge, Mr Hector. Will Kevin ever get to celebrate Christmas with his family?

Starring

Macaulay Culkin (Kevin), Joe Pesci (Harry), Daniel Stern (Marv), Tim Curry (Mr Hector).

About the Home Alone 2 Hotel Filming Location 

Home Alone is one of the best films ever made. But, many people rate Home Alone 2 as being better than the original because it built on what the first one did so well.

For fans of Home Alone 2, there are a number of locations one can see in New York, including the famed Rockefeller Tree – because Kevin loves Christmas trees; Central Park, where Kevin befriends the pigeon lady and of course The Plaza Hotel – where Kevin stays in all his “ding, dang, dong” luxury after making it it New York all by himself. The Plaza is a cool hotel to explore. You can’t access the lobby itself – well, you couldn’t on my last visit, unless you are a guest so that is annoying. But, Charlie Sheen did go crazy here and trash his hotel room, so i guess security measures are needed…

On the basement level, there is a Food Hall which is open to everyone, with heaps of yummy things to enjoy – with nice treats or bigger meals, or even just a clean toilet stop if needed. I always visit that to take a breather and do a toilet stop here, because New York is a huge city and navigating it isn’t easy if you don’t know where things are – like the good toilets!

Home Alone 2 isn’t the only film that has filmed here, with the likes of Bride Wars, Big Buisness, The Way We Were, Sex and the City and more setting scenes right here. It is a true icon of New York City.

New York City is at its best at Christmas which only adds to it’s allure. But for many, it is synonymous with Kevin and the Home Alone 2 story.  Or is it just me that thinks this?

The Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2 is located at 768 Fifth Ave – right where Central Park begins.

 

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

(2003)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A magazine columnist and an advertising executive secretly undertake a 10 day bet. Her bet – to make him break things off. His bet – to make her fall in love with him. Is all fair in love and war?

Starring

Kate Hudson (Andie), Matthew McConaughey (Ben)

About The How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days Filming Location

There are many romantic comedies out there to see filming locations from, but How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days was a surprise hit and has a classic edge now that it is have been over 15 years since it was made. There are many filming locations on offer for How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days but the main one to see is on Staten Island and man is it a good one!

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk & Beach is a real gem and was the location where Ben teaches Andie how to ride a motorcycle along the boardwalk. The Verrazanno-Narrows Bridge sitting in the distance makes for a really pretty backdrop too. I completely love it here whether I loved this film or not. What a highlight of a place to visit when visiting New York City.

Additionally, you can take the Staten Island ferry over to Staten Island – which is free, and re-create another How To Lose A Guy scene. The Staten Island ferry was also featured in Sex and the City and The Dark Knight – among others. So why would you miss out on that too?

The How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days boardwalk is located on Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, New York.

One Fine Day

(1996)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

An architect and a reporter end up with their children for the day after they miss their kid’s school field trip drop off. Given their hectic schedules, they agree to put aside their bickering for the day – but their children don’t make that plan an easy one to follow.

Starring

Michelle Pfeiffer (Melanie), George Clooney (Jack)

About the One Fine Day Central Park Filming Location

Central Park has had a zillion appearances in movies and television shows. But there are certain areas of Central Park which seem to appear more than others. One Fine Day was one such film which utilized this – with the Bethesda Terrace a trademark when it comes to New York filming locations. Here, was where George Clooney picks Michelle Pfeiffer up so she doesn’t have to walk through a puddle.

Additionally, everything from Friends With Benefits to It Takes Two to Gossip Girl to 27 Dresses has used this location in Central Park. Plus, if you keep walking and hit the famed “Mall” in Central Park, you’ll find yourself walking around almost every New York City filming location with so many films and tv shows having filmed right here. Personal favourites include, The Other Woman, Big Daddy, Maid In Manhattan and more.

Bethesda Terrace and The Mall are located in Central Park, New York City. 

 

Serendipity

(2001)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Two strangers fatefully meet at Bloomingdale’s in New York City, sparking a ‘what if’ scenario in their lives many years later when both are set to marry other people. Does serendipity really exist?

Starring

John Cusack (Jonathan), Kate Beckinsale (Sara), Jeremy Piven (Dean), Bridget Monahan (Halley)

About The Serendipity Filming Location

Serendipity is a movie which means a lot to me – my blog name which I carefully selected even has the name in it. I love the word Serendipity – a fortunate accident, a twist of fate, meant to be…which is why I ended up at Serendipity 3, a restaurant and general store which is one of the most iconic restaurants in New York City.

Serendipity 3 has been a filming location in a number of films and tv shows, not just as the cafe Jonathan and Sara drink frozen hot chocolates in after first meeting in Serendipity. Besides this scene, it has been featured in everything from One Fine Day to Glee to Keeping Up With The Kardashians, when it filmed in New York.

If you want an awesome dessert – I love the chocolate sundaes, they have some amazing things to try here, plus other menu items that are savoury or larger meals. I always eat here every time I visit New York. I love the decor, the vibe of this place and that it’s been in so many films and tv shows. But best of all, because it played such an iconic role in the film Serendipity.

Serendipity 3 is located at 225 East 60th Street.

 

North Carolina

– Asheville –

Richie Rich

(1994)

by Paul from Travel Is Life

Film Synopsis

Richie Rich is the film adaption of the comic book about the world’s wealthiest kid. Richie (played by Macaulay Culkin), his butler, and his new friends embark on a mission to save Richie’s parents and thwart the plan of an evil businessman who is intent on stealing their family fortune.

Starring

Macaulay Culkin (Richie Rich), John Larroquette (Lawrence Van Dough), Edward Herrmann (Richard Rich), Christine Ebersole (Regina Rich), Jonathan Hyde (Herbert Arthur Runcible Cadbury), Michael McShane (Professor Keenbean)

About The Richie Rich Filming Location

The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned estate in America and the biggest tourist attraction in Asheville, NC – my hometown. Most tourists have heard about this HUGE house because of its history, architecture, and wineries, but not everyone who visits realizes that it was also a filming location for several movies including Tap Roots (1948), The Swan (1956), Being There (1979), The Private Eyes (1980), Mr. Destiny (1990), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Forrest Gump (1994), Richie Rich (1994), My Fellow Americans (1996), Patch Adams (1998), Hannibal (2000), and The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012).

My dad accidentally fell into the role of playing a security guard extra in Richie Rich when they filmed part of the movie there in 1993. My family read in the local newspaper that Warner Brothers was looking for child actors to be extras in the movie, so my sister and I went down to the audition, only to discover that the newspaper got the story wrong. The studio was actually looking for ADULT actors, not children, so they ended up choosing from all the parents of the children who showed up to audition – including my dad who got cast the role of a security guard for “looking mean”. My dad earned $40/day as a non-speaking extra but got to meet Macaulay Culkin and all the other actors who were there filming at The Biltmore Estate, which the studio used to portray Richie Rich’s home in the movie. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our small city of Asheville NC – which at the time, wasn’t quite on the Hollywood map yet!

Everytime I visit The Biltmore Estate, I’ll always remember the big fountain and that giant front door from the scenes in Richie Rich that my dad appeared in!

The Biltmore Estate is located at One Lodge Street Asheville, North Carolina.

 

– Outer Banks –

Nights In Rodanthe

(2008)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A divorcee looks after a hotel in the Outer Banks for her friend. The hotel has one guest, a doctor who is visiting to speak to a former patient’s family. Over the space of the weekend, they find comfort and love within each other but are soon faced with a tragic twist of fate.

Starring

Diane Lane (Adrienne), Richard Gere (Paul), Viola Davis (Jean)

About the Nights In Rodanthe House Filming Location

The Nights In Rodanthe house is as spectacular as they come. And it’s one of the most famous Nicholas Sparks filming locations in the United States. Best of all – you can stay at the Nights In Rodanthe house, as it is a vacation rental.

You will notice the house isn’t sitting on the beach like it was in the film. It was moved a little further back, but still on the beach to protect it from hurricane weather. You can read more about the Nights In Rodanthe house and how you can stay in it here.

Above all else, the Outer Banks in North Carolina is a must stop destination and missing it would be a disservice to your trip if you’re near there. You can drive along the Highway with epic coastal views on the side of the road, houses on stilts on the beach and sand dunes whirling sand across the road as you go. This destination is spectacular!

The Nights In Rodanthe house is located on Highway 12, at Beacon Rd East, Rodanthe. 

– Wilmington –

Dawson’s Creek

(1997 – 2002)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Four teens starting their freshman year of high school, have to navigate growing up without growing apart in this coming of age series which spanned 6 seasons.

Starring

James Van Der Beek (Dawson), Katie Holmes (Joey), Joshua Jackson (Pacey), Michelle Williams (Jen)

About the Dawson’s Creek Filming Locations

Set in the picturesque town of Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding regions, Dawson’s Creek really put Wilmington on the Hollywood Map as the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts. Dawson’s Creek was also one of the biggest shows in the late 1990’s, so for many who visit it is the chance to re-live one’s youth and explore a town which looks so familiar – you think you have been there. I constantly have deja-vu whenever I visit here!

Whether it is a walk down the historic main street area or along the river, or exploring the UNCW campus which stood in for Capeside High School (Alderman Hall specifically), it is pretty endless what locations you can see to reminisce about this show. Hell’s Kitchen where Joey worked in Season 5 is a real restaurant, as are the restaurant’s that stood in for Leery’s Fresh Fish and Pacey’s Restaurant in the final episode.

The house Dawson lives in with his parents is also a favourite for visitors but it is a private residence so if you do make it there please be respectful and ask permission before entering the creekside area of the property. Otherwise, just stick with the other locations which are easily found around the town.

Seeing Dawson’s house was a real highlight for me in 2008, and it was the one filming location I wanted to see more than anything else in the world. I was lucky enough to get a personal tour of the real house, so I know what it looks like inside and how it compares to the Dawson’s Creek set. But sitting on the pier, looking up at Dawson’s room or standing on the porch – which I had access to really made it easy to pretend I was in Capeside for the day. And it was cool to see what props they still had up all those years after filming took place.

The Dawson’s Creek locations worth seeing are (pictured):

Dawson’s House –  6424 Head Road, Wilmington

Capeside High School – UNCW Campus, 601 S College Rd, Wilmington

Historic Wilimington (main street area, riverwalk etc) Market Street and North Water Street

Hell’s Kitchen 118 Princess St, Wilmington

Elijah’s Resturant (Pacey’s Restaurant) Wilmington Riverwalk.

One Tree Hill

(2003 – 2012)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Two half brothers end up on the same high school basketball team, creating drama in the town they live. Ego’s, NBA dreams, girlfriend issues, daddy issues, parents who are never there and more keep this small town full of intrigue. But can these two brothers learn to get along for the sake of the team and their own relationship?

Starring

Chad Michael Murray (Lucas), James Lafferty (Nathan), Hilarie Burton (Peyton), Sophia Bush (Brooke), Bethany Joy Lenz (Haley)

About The One Tree Hill Filming Locations

Like Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill  is everywhere in Wilmington, North Carolina.

One Tree Hill made better use of the town however, using a lot more than Dawson’s Creek ever managed to. Fans of the show can tour the town on their own – or do an actual tour by a local, which will take you through the main historic Wilmington areas. The One Tree Hill sets no longer exist, so a trip to the Screen Gems studios is not worth doing now. But back when the show was on, it definitely was as fans got to step inside Tree Hill.

For those who have never been, Wilmington is one of the best coastal cities to visit in the United States. The high school gym that was used for One Tree Hill was actually the high school gym Michael Jordan played in – which explains why the number 23 is synonymous with the show.

Highlights for fans of One Tree Hill though include a visit to Tree Hill High School, stopping by the various houses from the show, particularly Brooke’s, Lucas’s, Nathan’s and Peyton’s.

Dan’s beach house which is actually a house rental – though it doesn’t seem to have been updated much since the show, is a real life filming location with the interior and exterior having been used in the show. The location of Haley and Nathan’s beachside wedding at Fort Fisher, Karen’s Cafe/ Clothes Over Bros (which is now a surf store), River Rd where Lucas and Peyton meet, the river where Haley tutors Nathan – which you can’t actually find but there are similar benches which make it close enough and the Rivercourt – which was torn up so it no longer exists – but lucky fans did score a piece of it, myself included.

One Tree Hill  capitalised on what Dawson’s Creek started in Wilmington, whether it’s Wilmington itself, or the outer surrounds of Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach, Airlie Gardens or the mall. When you are visiting here, it is like stepping right into the show. And that’s why I have been there FOUR times now. It is my favourite place in America.

The One Tree Hill  locations worth seeing include (pictured)-

Tree Hill High School, Cape Fear Community College, 411 N Front St, Wilmington

Brooke’s 2314 Tattersalls Drive, Wilmington

Lucas’s house – 1829 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington

Dan’s Beach House (front and back were used, as was the interior) – 1515 S Lake Park Blvd

River Rd, where Peyton and Lucas meet – Plantation Road SE (find the river and you’ll see the bend).

Haley and Nathan’s wedding spot – Fort Fisher Recreation Reserve – Fort Fisher Blvd South (right across from the aquarium)

 

Ohio

– Mansfield –

The Shawshank Redemption

(1994)

By Leah of Yoder Toter Blog

Film Synopsis

The Shawshank Redemption was filmed in and around Mansfield, Ohio.  The movie follows the accusal and prison time of Andy Dufresne and his friendship with prisoner, Red.  While incarcerated, Dufresne is put in charge of helping the Warden and other guards with their financial matters.  It is this role that allows Andy to see that Warden Norton is receiving bribes and laundering the money. Eventually, Andy escapes Shawshank Prison and withdrawals the laundered money.

Starring 

Tim Robbins (Andy Dufresne), Morgan Freeman (Red), Bob Gunton (Warden Norton), James Whitmore (Brooks Hatlan).

About The Shawshank Redemption Filming Locations

The main filming location for the movie is the Ohio State Reformatory.  The Reformatory opened in 1896 and once housed 155,000 inmates within its walls.  The visit can be one of history, eeriness, and awe. The 6-story cell block is a sight to behold!  Fans of the film will “geek out” on numerous things from The Shawshank Redemption – such as Brooks’ last words, Andy’s escape tunnel, and the solitary confinement area. Besides its popularity as setting for the film, The Ohio State Reformatory is also well-known for its paranormal activity.

Fans of The Shawshank Redemption can also visit filming locations within a short drive of the Reformatory.  The Shawshank Trail covers 16 sites!  Fifteen of the sixteen are within an hour’s drive – the last one is the beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico; where Andy Dufresne and Red eventually reunite.

As a longtime fan of the film and now a local in Mansfield, Ohio; I often find myself wanting to watch the movie again just to see our little city on the big screen.  Pugh Cabin, site of The Shawshank Redemption’s opening scene, is located within Malabar Farm- a popular hiking spot for our family. It’s a fun thing to have one of your favorite films- and your personal life- collide.

If you’re a fan of The Shawshank Redemption, the 25th Anniversary of the film is happening in 2019 and actors from the film will be participating in local events.  Those interested can check out the event page HERE.

The Shawshank Redemption filming locations are located at various locations in Mansfield, Ohio.

 

– Cleveland –

A Christmas Story

(1983)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Photos provided by Bridget from Travel Is My Everything

©Bridget Kent Cooper

Film Synopsis

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of Ralphie Parker, who spends most of his time running from a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.”

Starring

Peter Billingsley (Ralphie), Melinda Dillon (Mother Parker), Darren McGavin (Old Man Parker)

About the A Christmas Story Filming Location

A Christmas Story  is a favourite for many. And unlike many houses which have been used over the years as ‘movie houses’, this house is very interactive for fans of the film. It is open year round for public tours, and you can even stay there overnight if you’re visiting from further away and need accommodation.

Across the street, there is an A Christmas Story Museum, which contains everything from props, costumes, movie memorabilia, and behind the scenes photos which have never been shared anywhere else. There is a gift shop there as well.

If you are a fan of A Christmas Story stopping by here and spending some money helps to keep the house and museum operating, as well as keeping it in the best shape possible. So if you are planning to visit Cleveland a stop here is a must for this true cinema classic. Tickets are $13 for adults, Children 2-12 years are $10, Seniors $11.50.

The A Christmas Story  house is located at 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland.

 

Oregon

– Astoria –

The Goonies

(1985)

By James from Off With The Kids

Film Synopsis

This 80’s classic tells a tale of bunch of local kids who embark on a great and perilous adventure in an attempt to find a pirate treasure worthy of saving one of their homes.  The ‘Goonies’ must navigate through a maze full of deadly obstacles, all while trying to escape a family of convicts chasing them.

Starring

Sean Astin (Mikey), Josh Brolin (Brand), Jeff Cohen (Chunk), Corey Feldman (Mouth)

About The Goonies Filming Locations

I personally love The Goonies because I grew up in the ’80s watching this film repeatedly; however, I also love the nostalgia of 80’s films as I’m a huge fan of the era.

One of the best reasons to visit this filming location is because unlike with many other movies that are filmed at various locations or in a location not true to the actual setting of the movie, most of The Goonies was actually filmed in the real town portrayed in the movie!  This is very rare with movies today.  Whether it was the local high school, the bowling alley, the jail, or even the main character’s houses, all are real places in Astoria that could actually be visited!

On multiple occasions I’ve visited Astoria, and was able to check out many of the locations used for filming.  You can read about them all in my article here.  One of my favorite parts was when a couple of family members and I reenacted the jail escape scene just as it was portrayed in the film!  This was a lot of fun.  Due to how popular The Goonies is, I wasn’t surprised to find other fans waiting to doing the exact same thing!

Watching the movie today is extra fun because I can say I’ve been to those exact locations.  I stood where those actors stood, and even acted out some of the same scenes! If you’re a fan of The Goonies, or even just a fan of visiting movie filming locations, you won’t be disappointed with this one.  There are many locations to see all within close proximity, and offer a fun experience for the whole family.

The Goonies filming locations can be found in various locations in Astoria, Oregon. 

Kindergarten Cop

(1990)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A police officer takes on an undercover job as a kindergarten teacher in Astoria, Oregon in a bid to finally apprehend a drug lord. While he may be a model police officer, can he keep his cover when dealing with 5 year olds?

Starring

Arnold Schwarzenegger (John Kimble), Joyce Palmieri (Penelope Ann Miller), Pamela Reed (Phoebe O’Hara), Richard Tyson (Cullen Crisp), Linda Hunt (Miss Schlowski)

About the Kindergarten Cop Filming Locations

I have been dreaming of visiting Astoria, Oregon for as long as I can remember. Why? Because I love Kindergarten Cop. 

When you visit Astoria, you really feel like you are in the film – and that doesn’t happen too often for me. The film used so many locations in and around Astoria, and it all still looks EXACTLY the same as it did back then. That is part of the charm.

Fans of the film can take a self-tour of the Kindergarten Cop filming locations from the elementary school, the motel John and Phoebe stay in during their job, Joyce’s house, the Marina/ restaurant area and the main street of town. It’s all right here.

But if you start quoting the film as you explore, yelling “It’s not a tumor!” or “SHUT UPPPPP!!!!!” don’t blame us – because we guarantee it will happen!

The main Kindergarten Cop filming location to see in Astoria is John Jacob Astor Elementary – which filmed many scenes inside and outside this building. This is the epitome of filming locations for this film. And I loved every minute of my visit there.

The Kindergarten Cop elementary school is located at 3550 Franklin Ave, Astoria.

 

Pennsylvania

– Philadelphia – 

Rocky

(1976)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A small-time boxer gets a rare chance to fight heavy-weight champion of the world, Apollo Creed in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. Can the underdog win?

Starring

Sylvester Stallone (Rocky), Tahlia Shire (Adrian), Carl Weathers (Apollo)

About The Rocky Steps Filming Location

When one visits Philadelphia, aka Philly – there is only one filming location one cares to see – and best of all it’s free.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps, aka The Rocky Steps is where countless visitors to Philadelphia have trekked to re-create what is possibly the most re-created scene in Hollywood history. In Rocky, Sylvester Stallone trains to take on heavyweight Apollo Creed, and runs up the stairs before fist pumping in jubilation at the top. Thus, when visiting the Rocky Steps, one must of course take a run up and celebrate at the top too!

Other films have re-created this scene with In Her Shoes having a scene with Toni Collette walking dogs and running up the stairs in triumph during her own personal issues, which she begins to overcome.

The Rocky Steps are located at Spring Garden St, Philadelphia. 

 

South Carolina

– Charleston –

The Notebook

(2004)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A man reads a story to a woman suffering from dementia about young love in the hopes that she will remember it is about them and how they fell in love.

Starring

Ryan Gosling (Noah), Rachel McAdams (Allie), Gena Rowlands (Allie), James Garner (Noah)

About The Notebook Filming Locations

Charleston, South Carolina is home to The Notebook. And while not every location is available to see, given the house Noah built is a private residence located on Wadmalaw Island – and the owners are not wanting fans to really stop by apparently, many locations are.

Two of the best Notebook locations fans can see in Charleston, is the intersection where Allie and Noah dance and almost get run over by a car. Interestingly, this intersection was made to look like the 1920s era, which is very obvious when you are standing there and comparing the scene to where you are standing. They really changed it up to make it look old.

The second location is Boone Hall Plantation – made famous from it’s appearance in North and South with Patrick Swayze. It was also the location where Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively were married in 2012. Boone Hall Plantation was the Summer residence of Allie’s family and has a beautiful tree lined oak alley, similar to Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana. Boone Hall Plantation does have tours so you can explore the property. However, the exterior of this house was only used in The Notebook, if you are looking to see the interior of Allie’s house, that was shot inside Calhoun Mansion, a house you can also tour in Charleston – but they don’t allow photos.

For more information on all The Notebook locations you can see in Charleston, click here.

The Notebook intersection is located at King St and Mary St. 

Boone Hall Plantation is located at 1235 Long Point Road, Mt Pleasant.

 

Tennessee

– Nashville –

The Coal Miner’s Daughter

(1980)

By Carol of Wayfaring Views

Film Synopsis

Nashville is a honky tonk town and Loretta Lynn gained fame with her song “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl”. She was a regular at the Grand Ole Opry (and the Ryman). Coal Miner’s Daughter chronicles Lynn’s life including her childhood poverty, her teenage marriage and her rise as a country music star.

Starring

Sissy Spacek (Loretta), Tommy Lee Jones (Doolittle), Levon Helm (Ted), Beverly D’Angelo (Patsy)

About The Coal Miner’s Daughter Filming Location

Visiting the Ryman is like going to church. In fact, the auditorium was born from a fiery pulpit when Thomas Ryman “saw the light” and built it in 1892 as a permanent location for gospel meetings. The Grand Ole Opry located there in 1943 and kept the music going. There is something special about a building that was purpose built for music and I could almost hear the echoes of the Opry and Loretta Lynn when I was there.

In addition to the Coal Miner’s daughter and the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman was also the set for TV tapings of the Johnny Cash Show, American Idol and Nashville. It should be a must see on anyone’s Nashville itinerary and few people visit without being a fan of at least one of those movies or TV shows.

The Ryman Auditorium is located at 116 5th Avenue North, Nashville. 

 

Texas

– Smithville –

Hope Floats

(1998)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Birdee Pruitt finds out her husband has been unfaithful on live television. Returning with her daughter to the small town of Smithville, Texas to live with her mother, Birdee must re-build her life and has the chance to rekindle a childhood romance with a man named Justin Matisse.

Starring

Sandra Bullock (Birdee), Harry Connick Jr (Justin), Mae Whitman (Bernice), Gena Rowlands (Ramona)

About the Hope Floats Filming Location

Many people ask where did Hope Floats actually film in Texas? The answer is Smithville, Texas. A real town in the United States which actually boasts about being the “Home of Hope Floats”- they even have a sign on the freeway exit! Fans of the film can visit the town and re-live all the moments of Hope Floats  right at their own leisure as this is one small town – but full of so much charm.

Whether it is exploring the main street where many scenes took place, including where Birdee gets a job at the photo development store, to the historic home she lives in with her mother, to the elementary school, diner and local bar – it is all here to see.

As a fan of Hope Floats, I spent a good hour or two photographing everything I could find – I drove around the streets and found the elementary school funnily enough and thanks to Youtube, I managed to work out which store was the photo store Birdee worked at, and where Harry Connick Jr stood by his car waiting for Birdee with flowers. It is not a hard town to explore at all, and makes me love Hope Floats even more now that I know what it feels like to stand there and explore this town.

The Main Street of Smithville, Texas is Main Street. Birdee worked at the photo store on the intersection of Main and 2nd St. The scene with Harry Connick Jr took place with his truck across the road from the photo store on Main and 2nd.

Birdee’s mother’s house aka “the Hope Floats house” is the famous McCollum-Chapman-Trousdale House which is located at 201 E. Eighth & Olive Street.

 

Utah

– Monument Valley –

Forrest Gump

(1993)

By Melissa of The Wandering Queen

Film Synopsis

Forrest Gump takes us through the historical adventure of a man named Forrest Gump. He lives life with a childlike optimism and becomes a football star, a Vietnam veteran, ping pong champion, and even runs across the USA.

Starring

Tom Hanks (Forrest), Sally Field (Mrs Gump), Robin Wright (Jenny)

About the Forrest Gump Monument Valley Run Filming Location

Monument Valley is one of the best places to visit if you are a western movie or a Forrest Gump Fan. The area has been featured in countless films since the 1930s. Located on the eastern border of Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is not near any major cities, but, I recommend making the drive to experience this one of a kind place.

The last area where Forrest ends his cross-country run is located near Monument Valley. You can take pictures in the area where Forrest ends his journey in the film. There is even a sign marking the end of his journey.

The Forrest Gump Running Road is located on US Highway 163 at Mexican Hat. (Look for the sign if driving from Monument Valley and it will be on your left. That’s where you need to be!

 

Virginia

– Pembroke –

Dirty Dancing

(1987)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

Summer 1963, Frances “Baby” Houseman vacations with her family at Kellerman’s, a resort in the Catskills, before joining the Peace Corps. This Summer will ultimately change her life, as she learns to finally be independent and in control of her own life choices, but also follows her heart after she falls in love with the dance director at the resort, Johnny. But will it cost her her family’s love and respect?

Starring

Jennifer Grey (Baby), Patrick Swayze (Johnny), Kelly Bishop (Marjorie Houseman), Jerry Orbach (Dr. Jake Houseman)

About the Dirty Dancing Filming Location

Dirty Dancing  is a cult classic, with one of the most popular movie soundtracks in existence.

But best of all for fans, they can re-live Dirty Dancing themselves by staying at the Mountain Lake Lodge Hotel in Pembroke, Virginia. The closest airport to get here is in Roanoke, Virginia – with about an hour drive to the hotel.

For me, I made it here in 2008, on my very first trip to the United States. I had to stay here and be part of it. Back then, Patrick Swayze was sick with pancreatic cancer, but still alive; and being here made me appreciate the legacy he and this film had on this region, even all those years later.

The Mountain Lake Lodge Hotel has really embraced their role within Dirty Dancing  and welcome guests for Dirty Dancing  weekends, dancing in the gazebo and more. When you visit here, you really do feel like you are back in the film – it is incredible.

As soon as you arrive and start exploring, head out to the back of the hotel which leads to the lawn, as this is the “front” of the hotel that Baby and her family arrive at. If you continue to walk inside and turn left, the restaurant which was also used in the film is still there to enjoy. If you walk outside onto the balcony of the restaurant (I ate out there), some scenes were also shot here, but back then this balcony wasn’t enclosed, it was open.

The Mountain Lake Lodge Hotel still has signs up around the grounds, and guests can stay in the Houseman apartment which is located opposite the main hotel building. As I walked around the grounds I found so many scene locations including the tunnel Johnny and Baby drive through when they head out to practice dancing, as well as the forest walk scene where Johnny and Baby look down on her father with Lisa and her college love interest Robbie.

It is a really cool experience to stay here, and given this film is my favourite – it was a real dream come true. Dirty Dancing  was the very first film I owned on VHS as a 6 year old – thanks dad! The hotel is a real escape from the real world, and the hotel rooms don’t have televisions. But to spend a few days here, and eat meals in the restaurant and explore the grounds – that is all any fan of Dirty Dancing needs. I can’t wait to stay here again on my next trip back for a relaxed escape.

The Dirty Dancing Hotel aka The Mountain View Lodge Hotel is located at 115 Hotel Cir. Pembroke, Virginia.

 

Washington

– Seattle –

Grey’s Anatomy

(2005 – Present)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

TV Show Synopsis

Meredith Grey, the daughter of an esteemed surgeon is accepted into the Seattle Grace residency program alongside other interns, Christina Yang, Izzie Stevens, Alex Karev and George O’Malley. She starts her first day in the program realizing that the one night stand she had the night before was with the new head of neurosurgery, Derek Shepherd. Can she become the Doctor she is destined to be – or will her romantic dramas, and the egos of the other interns impact on her success?

Starring

Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey), Sandra Oh (Christina Yang), Justin Chambers (Alex Karev), Katherine Heigl (Izzie Stevens), T.R. Knight (George O’Malley).

About the Grey’s Anatomy Filming Locations

Seattle is Grey’s Anatomy.

Although Grey’s Anatomy   is filmed in Los Angeles, and the exterior of Seattle Grace/Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital is located in Los Angeles as well; the skyline of Seattle and the Space Needle is a paramount view in Grey’s Anatomy. As are ferryboats, as Dr McDreamy likes to make reference to.

But one place real fans of Grey’s Anatomy  can enjoy in Seattle, which is a stone’s throw from one of the best views of the Space Needle in Seattle; is Ellis Grey’s house or Meredith’s House as she takes residence with Izzie and George in Season 1. The house is a beauty, and has amazing views of the Space Needle because it sits atop the Queen Anne neighbourhood and scenic overlook.

So if you are making it to the Queen Anne overlook at Kerry Park, stopping by Meredith’s house is a must if you love Grey’s Anatomy. It is literally 2 blocks up from it!

When visiting Seattle as well, a ferryboat ride is a must – you can visit either Bremerton or Bainbridge Island which makes for a nice afternoon or day out of the city. Plus, you can pretend you’re Dr Derek Shepherd making the trek into work while you’re at it on the way back in.

The Meredith Grey house is located at 303 W. Comstock St, Seattle.

The Seattle Grace/Grey Sloan Memorial/Mercy West Hospital in Los Angeles is located at Veterans Administration Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center at 16111 Plummer Street, North Hills. 

 

Sleepless in Seattle

(1993)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

A widower’s son calls into a radio program on Christmas Eve to help his father find love again. Annie, a reporter from Baltimore hears the show and sets about finding out who ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ is. Even though she is engaged to another man, she soon finds herself falling in love with Samuel, with a plan to meet him on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day.

Starring

Tom Hanks (Samuel), Meg Ryan (Annie), Bill Pullam (Walter), Rosie O’Donnell (Becky), Ross Malinger (Jonah), Rob Reiner (Jay).

About the Sleepless In Seattle Filming Locations

Sleepless In Seattle  has many filming locations on offer. But there are a few worth seeing over others that any fan should see when visiting Seattle including Samuel’s houseboat, Pike Place Market and the Athenian Restaurant.

The Houseboat that was used in Sleepless In Seattle  is a real houseboat, which has real people living on it. It is part of a gated community, so is generally not accessible. However, you can see it from the roadway, and if you have a great lens on your camera, you can capture a nice shot of it from a distance. I also was able to see the houseboat from Gasworks Park as I had a good zoom on my camera too. But this is as close as you’ll likely get if you try and see it. Plus, it is a private residence so stepping out onto the dock and having a photo taken is severe trespassing  – so don’t do it without getting permission first.

In Seattle, a visit to Pike Place Market is pretty standard for anyone. This is the one place to visit to highlight your visit to Seattle. But one must stop is the Athenian Restaurant in Pike Place Market. Two scenes were shot right here, one outside in the market – where Victoria buys food to make Samuel and Jonah dinner. And inside the restaurant, when Samuel meets his friend for lunch, and they discuss him dating again. The restaurant is so used to fans visiting that they even placed plaques on the bench the two sat in for the scene, with them saying “Tom Hanks sat here”, “Rob Reiner sat here”.

To read more about Sleepless In Seattle here filming locations in Seattle click . To read about Sleepless In Seattle filming locations in New York and Balitmore click here.

The Sleepless In Seattle  Houseboat is located at 2460 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle.

The Athenian Restaurant is located at Pike Place Market, Seattle.

 

Twilight

(2008)

By Toni of Enchanted Serendipity

Film Synopsis

New to town Bella, meets mysterious Edward when she starts her new high school. She soon realizes his secret when she discovers he is a Vampire. Can she survive their love?

Starring

Kristen Stewart (Bella), Robert Pattinson (Edward)

About The Twilight High School Filming Location

Kalama, Washington was one of the towns which took on the setting for Forks, Washington, as it was the location of the Forks High School.

For fans of the Twilight films, this location is one of the best to see because such a pivotal scene took place, as it was where Bella first realized Edward was different, when he saved her from being crushed by a car in the school parking lot. Kalama is a cool town to explore, and an detour here when exploring Washington or even Oregon is a really nice option.

Additionally to this location, Bella’s house from Twilight is not far from the high school location, so you can hit two birds with one stone here. It’s such a cute house – there are signs up about not trespassing, so be aware of that. The house sits on sort of a dead end road, so you really can’t miss it, but it’s probably better for all residents that you walk up the hill and not drive up.

I am not really a Twilight fan – but I will admit seeing these houses, and the Cullen house in Portland were really cool!

Kalama High School from Twilight is located at 548 China Garden Road, Kalama, Washington. 

Bella’s House from Twilight is located at 184 South 6th Street St. Helens, Oregon

 

Washington D.C.

Forrest Gump

(1993)

By What The Saints Did Next

Film Synopsis

Forrest Gump is a comedy/drama following the extraordinary life story of a man growing up in 1950s Alabama, USA and his infatuation with only childhood friend, Jenny.  Despite his simple mind Forrest goes on to teach dance moves to Elvis Presley, wins a football scholarship, becomes a war hero, a ping-pong champion, meets US Presidents, runs the span of America and becomes financially secure as an early investor of Apple.  Jenny, a free spirit periodically pops into his life and together they have a son.  Jenny and Forrest eventually marry but she dies at a young age of an unknown illness.

Starring

Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump), Robin Wright (Jenny Curran), Sally Field (Mrs Gump), Gary Senise (Lieutenant Dan), Mykelti Williamson (Bubba Blue).

About the Forrest Gump Lincoln Memorial Filming Location

One of the most memorable scenes from the movie is the reunion of Forrest and Jenny wading inside the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial.  I was star-struck and SO tempted to replicate this but the presence of park rangers nipped the thought in the bud, plus the water did not look inviting!

Although Forrest Gump is one of my all-time favourite movies I haven’t watched it since our visit. But the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool is a popular location for many movies and TV shows and features regularly in Madam Secretary, House of Cards and The Fixer (Scandal).  I always get a jolt of contentment when I see it on the screen, that I’ve been THERE.  In fact, the whole of Washington DC, is like walking around a movie set of sorts, a great place to visit for film and TV buffs.

That’s all I have to say about that!

The Lincoln Memorial is located at 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC.

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Best Prepaid Sim Cards For USA Travel (& Why You Can Say Goodbye To Navman’s For Car Rentals) https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/best-prepaid-sim-cards-for-usa-travel/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/best-prepaid-sim-cards-for-usa-travel/#comments Fri, 02 Nov 2018 04:05:07 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=7031 When I travel in the US, I always purchase a prepaid sim card for my smart phone. Why do I bother to do that? So I have access to wifi 24/7 I never have to worry about finding wifi – particularly if I need to locate information like addresses of hotels etc when landing at […]

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When I travel in the US, I always purchase a prepaid sim card for my smart phone.

Why do I bother to do that?

  • So I have access to wifi 24/7
  • I never have to worry about finding wifi – particularly if I need to locate information like addresses of hotels etc when landing at an airport.
  • If I am hiring a car – I like to know I can call a real person and not be stuck on the side of the road waiting for a good samaritan to help if I have any car issues.
  • It’s not very costly to buy a prepaid sim card in the USA…so why frustrate yourself with not having one?

There are so many telecommunication companies out there, but which phone company has the best sim card for people traveling within the US? This is the question every traveler must ask themselves before they arrive there.

After 2 stints in the US in the past 12 months, totaling almost 5 months of travel – I swear by one company over others based on key factors – coverage, store locations and price. I have never had any issues with this company (beyond being in the middle of absolutely nowhere and no one having coverage there!), and will never hesitate using them based on my experience. But do bear in mind that there are many telecommunication companies out there – and it can really depend on where you are traveling and how much you are willing to spend, for which company is right for you and your trip.

One last thing I will mention is you get what you pay for. If you find a cheap deal – especially with an unlimited plan, be wary of it if the coverage map is just not great. Some companies have zero coverage in some areas and you will wish you had paid more for a better option. This will matter to you if you are traveling within those areas for a number of days – and literally can’t access any wifi at all. What’s the point of having unlimited anything if this happens?

Also, is unlimited really unlimited? Most companies will cap their plans – so if you need tons of data for work particularly, or you plan to tether to a second phone…make sure you know what amount you are really being offered with your data options – as speeds do decrease past certain allowances.

How Much I Am Paying For A Pre-Paid Sim Card In Australia?

As an Aussie who is currently paying $40 AUD for an unlimited talk and text plan with Amaysim (including international minutes), I also get 20GB of data included with my plan. Deals overseas are not always on par with those at home and the amount of data we have access to. But you can still get good deals when you are away to cover all the data you will need if you do your research.

FYI – If you are visiting Canada never purchase a sim in Canada when traveling – use an American company that has coverage there for free, or even a $5 fee so you can use your sim card in Canada and Mexico (if you need it there too). When I lived in Vancouver in 2016/2017 I was paying $60 CAD plus tax for a 2GB plan with Virgin (like, WTF????) – I relied on free wifi at Starbucks, the Vancouver Public Library and my at home wifi to get me through each month! Canada was way too expensive for anything fair.

There are cheaper prepaid options obviously, but Canada do not always have coverage in remote areas or the data allowance – which would be an issue for most travelers.

Who Are The Major US Pre-Paid Sim Card Providers?

So who are your sim card provider options for traveling within the USA? There are many out there (and many cheap companies who partner with the big brands); but for the purpose of this article, I will be focusing on the main 4 telecommunication companies listed below that are all within the USA. As you will see, there are differences between them in all of the major factors I look for when choosing a sim card – but you don’t have to go for the best option to be able to get a fair deal either. Just what you need for your time there. Don’t waste your money using your home provider though – they are complete rip offs with $5 a day options in most cases which are far too expensive, and you may be stuck on 2G or 3G speeds (which may lag and there isn’t anything you can do about it!)

The phone companies I will be looking at are:

Verizon

AT&T

T-Mobile

Sprint

I will also be looking at Sim Corner – a company you can purchase from BEFORE you leave home.

What Connection Speed Do You Need For A Prepaid Sim In The USA?

Before we look at the different companies in detail however, there are a few key terms I need to cover to ensure you know what you are getting from each company.

3G – Third Generation. Before 4G came along, 3G was the speed most devices were compatible with. Using 3G will usually mean you have some buffering on streaming videos, but for all other uses the connection should be relatively ok for general internet browsing and social media. Overall 4G is what you should be getting in most places today as long as your phone is 4G compatible – but it may not be everywhere, particularly in more remote areas.

4G – Fourth Generation Technology based on the speed and connection it offers. It is beneficial for users who stream media, browse the Internet, and download data. If 4G is not available in an area that you are in, it will only give you 3G – which means a slower speed for that duration of time.

4G LTE – Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution (almost 10 x faster than 3G). Ultimately the LTE of this 4G means the best connection speed which is available today. But again, your phone must be 4G LTE compatible to get the benefits of this speed. If you aren’t, then 4G is the best you will get even if you are in a LTE compatible area. Either way, 4G will still be far faster than 3G so it’s not the end of the world if you can only reach those speeds.

Ultimately, it depends on what your phone capabilities are and what coverage the phone company you use can actually give you. So always check with them before purchasing, so you understand what speed you can actually get with them. In 2019, we may even move into 5G – so that will add an even better layer to what is already available.

*Do note: some people have phones they take over and no matter what they do – no sim cards work in them. It is rare, but it may happen depending on the capability of your phone. There is not much you can do. It has never happened to me, but has to friends – including recently. So bear this in mind, particularly if you purchase a sim card through companies like Sim Corner, as you may be spending money on something you can’t actually use. If this did happen and you aren’t traveling alone – I would try and tether and take an unlimited plan out on the phone that works, so between you both you have enough data to last you.

And – ALWAYS make sure your phone is UNLOCKED and not locked into a carrier at home. Or you will not be able to use it at all overseas which is really frustrating.

Comparing The Best Sim Cards For Traveling In The USA

All information has been screenshot from the following company’s websites on October 28th, 2018. Prices and plans may vary compared to this information when you travel there as plans change or get more competitive.

Also note that tax is not included in these plans unless specified. Each state has a varying sales tax rate and this will cause a difference between pricing in one state and another.

Auto Pay Versus Paying Cash When Buying A Sim Card

Auto Pay is a cheaper way to go pre-paid and means you never have to go in store to extend your prepaid plan each month. BUT…it does require you to log in to your account and turn off the auto pay feature BEFORE the month is up and before you LEAVE the USA – to avoid being charged for another month. Auto Pay is really easy – I used it recently and saved $10 on my prepaid plan (plus gained 2 extra GB for free). But do make sure you ask the store what zipcode they have used to set up your account as you may need this information to login – so you can turn it off. But you will need to know what your phone number is and can access this in the Contacts area of your phone.

A lot of people complain that they were wrongly charged for another month by their provider on their US trip – don’t buy into that at all. It is your responsibility to TURN IT OFF and if you get charged or struggle to turn autopay off when you get home, that is truly on you. Be aware, it’s in the contract.

If you don’t want to Auto Pay you can pay cash – but it means you will need to visit a store to do this every month. The cost will be more expensive (as you won’t get any discount or extra GB’s like I was offered), but it will mean you don’t have to worry about auto renews either. In 2017, I paid cash for this reason, but I will stick with the Auto Pay option as it is easy to turn it off – and you can always go in store a week before you leave if you can’t turn it off and get a staff member to help you. It won’t affect the remainder of your plan at all if you do this.

Also bear in mind that in store deals can be better than those listed below – so it always pays to visit the store of the company you will be likely using so you can get the best deal. If price matters, do the leg work to get a price you’re happy with, especially since the Aussie dollar is not on par with the US dollar. It can be a huge difference.

Verizon Prepaid Sim Card Plans

Verizon Logo

Verizon are the highest rated phone company in the US. They have the best percentage of coverage, particularly 4G LTE across the country and many people are happy with them based on their feedback and from what I am reading about traveling in the US with Verizon.

If you have an Australian phone though – it likely won’t be an option as many Australians are saying they have been unable to use Verizon because of the abilities of our phones and the higher speeds of the American carriers.

Verizon are a great option if you will be traveling across the US and not sticking to major cities. There are also no lock in contracts. Verizon have plenty of locations countrywide too. Coverage really does matter.

Verizon’s coverage map highlights just how far they reach – which makes it the best coverage (just) in the United States in comparison to all others (as the other maps will show you.)

As you can see in the graphic below, the colours represented on the map highlight the tiers of connection that are available with Verizon.

-The red represents 4G LTE – which covers almost everywhere in the continental US – and Alaska’s major cities and Hawaii. There are some limits depending on where you are though as you can see.
-The grey represents lower connections within the US where 4G LTE is not available – but there is still coverage to be found and it will just depend on where you are for what speeds you get.
-The white dots are Verizon LTE Advanced cities which means that these cities are offering speeds that are the fastest in the country – even with the speeds of 4G LTE available.

Although Verizon do cover most of the US, there will be pockets of no service given the remoteness of some areas – but the pockets shouldn’t last too long if you find them. It will ultimately depend on what phone you are traveling with as to what speeds you will have access to as well.

Verizon Coverage Map

Verizon’s Prepaid Sim Card Plans

Data Only

Verizon have “Data Only” plans which means that you will only be able to access data – not phone or text services. These plans are not tied to a contract so you can change or cancel after using your data anytime.

Data, Talk & Text

Verizon have data plus talk and text plans (which i recommend in case you need to call anyone in the US – particularly if you are using hire cars and may need to call for assistance on the road). If you are needing a plan for more than 1 month, unused data will carry over on most of the plans (except the unlimited plan) and you can Auto Pay plans should you not want the hassle of renewing in store or online during your holiday – you will score a $5 discount with Auto Pay and paperless billing too.

If you want to call Mexico and Canada, you will need to up your plan to the $60 plus tax plan to be able to phone people within these countries. If you plan to travel within Canada and Mexico as the second graphic shows it will cost you $5 extra per day with the Verizon Travel Pass – which is actually a really horrible inclusion and a major reason why I would not use them if I was traveling in Canada or Mexico. They really need to compete with others who are including international roaming to some countries for free.

Based on this, the unlimited $75 plus tax plan seems a better option if you think you will go over 10GB that month. Or if you plan to tether to another phone. But $60 plus tax for a 10GB plan for one person is quite good. Though if you are traveling in Canada or Mexico then the Travel Pass in the following section will end up quite costly for you.

International Travel Pass (Canada & Mexico)

If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico – make sure you read this before choosing Verizon in case it ends up costing you more than you’re wanting to spend.

Multi-Plan Discounts

Verizon have family discounts (or couples discounts) the more people you have using their prepaid services. Plans discount if you have 2-5 other people on their own plans which are linked to yours.

Example Plan

If you have 2 phone plans on the 7GB of data optionThe first plan remains at $50. The second is discounted to $35. So the total for 2 prepaid phone plans totals $85 USD. Do note tax still needs to be added to this price – which will vary depending on which state you purchase it in. If you have Auto Pay selected you should receive at least an additional $5 off the multi line plan.

There are pretty decent savings here if couples, friends or family are traveling together – and want the best coverage on their trips.

Final Thoughts

A 7GB plan with Verizon will cost $50 USD plus tax. For $10 plus tax more you can gain an extra 3GB and take it to 10GB. If you have 2 people traveling and both want to buy a prepaid sim card, between you both you can get 14GB for $85 – (or $80 with Auto Pay) if using the 7GB plan which is a saving of $15-20 combined overall.

Verizon look really good. They have the coverage which back them up. They have good reviews. They have decent prices which are on par with other companies – and their discounts are even better if you are not traveling solo. If you are traveling as a couple or family around the US, Verizon is a wonderful option in my opinion and if they cover the areas you will be in they would be worth using. If I were to travel to Canada or Mexico on any US trip, I couldn’t use them though based on the hidden costs associated with that, which is a real shame.

I haven’t used Verizon, unless I use a non Aussie phone, then I can which is very unlikely. The reviews for Verizon look pretty reputable too, so that gives me confidence in them overall if you have a phone that can use their service.

AT&T Prepaid Sim Plans

AT&T have a really good coverage map as you can see. Verizon has a little more 4G LTE cover – but for the most part whether you can access 4G or 3G, they don’t have too many gaps in their market either – which is why they are in the top 2. AT&T do have good coverage across Alaska and Hawaii too. If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico their plans do allow you to use your phone at no extra cost when traveling there – which is something Verizon don’t offer. That is a winner right there.

AT&T have different coverage maps on their website depending on whether you are looking at data or voice. The data coverage is stronger than voice, but there isn’t a whole ton of difference.

Yellow is the lowest speed with 3G (very minor based on the map)
4G (a little more spread out) is orange
Dark orange represents the 4G LTE – and is pretty much everywhere give or take those more remote places.
Stripes on the map represent 3rd party providers who partner with AT&T – which may reduce down to 2G (so be wary of that if you were to use one of those) because they are not directly with AT&T.
White areas are where coverage is very limited. SO you may not get much coverage – or lower speeds if you are within that area.

AT&T Coverage Map

Data, Talk & Text

AT&T have some really good options – at really solid pricing. They have unlimited talk and text within the US, plus unlimited text to over 100 countries, discounts for Auto Pay and Multi line offerings. No lock in contracts.

The bold pricing below each plan includes an Auto Pay discount. The smaller text underneath are the costs paying without Auto Pay eg; cash.

I traveled for 2 weeks with AT&T in October 2018 and went into the Canadian Rockies, throughout California, Austin, Texas, New Orleans, Portland, Oregon and the coastline from Astoria to Tillamook. Overall I was really happy with the service – it dipped out here or there but only in really remote areas when driving in Oregon but it was often unnoticed in all honesty. AT&T were also really good in Canada – where I was roaming and given the remoteness of that region, AT&T was a winner there too. Once I hit the Icefield’s Parkway towards Jasper at Peyto Lake, coverage did disappear for a little bit given the highly remote surroundings, but it wouldn’t have lasted too long.

The best thing about AT&T is any plan above the 1GB plan offers unlimited talk and text to and within Mexico and Canada and no limit on the data available – it just depends on what plan you have. Some speeds may reduce to 2G but I never really felt they did when I was using it, so I was pretty happy.

Below are the pre-paid plans that are available with AT&T:

Multi-Plan Discounts

Like Verizon, AT&T do offer multi plan discounts for up to 5 people.

Example Plan

If you have 2 phone lines on the 8GB of data option: the first plan remains at $50 plus tax (or $40 plus tax with an Auto Pay prepaid plan). The second is discounted to $40 plus tax (plus another $10 discount with an Auto Pay prepaid plan so it drops down to $30 plus tax). Therefore, the 2 pre-paid phone lines total $70 USD plus tax – with an overall saving of $30.

Verizon’s plan of 2 lines at 7GB costs $80 plus tax with discounts – so AT&T are already 1GB more per person and $10 less in cost per multi-plan. Overall, this is a really decent plan money wise – and the coverage is very favourable.

Final Thoughts

To recap – an 8GB plan with AT&T will cost $50 USD plus tax if paying cash. If you Auto Pay you save $10 (just be sure to turn that off!) When I was purchasing my sim card in store, I was offered 2GB extra for no extra cost – so definitely ask them if this is possible if you are looking to use AT&T. If you have 2 people traveling and are wanting a prepaid sim card, between you both you can get 16GB (or even 20GB if offered more) for $70 USD – which is a saving of $30 overall.

With Verizon, travelers can get a 10GB plan for $60 plus tax (with a $5 discount when Auto Paying), and a 7GB plan for $50 (with a $5 discount when Auto Paying). If you are a single traveler and can’t use an additional multi line discount, you will still be $10-15 USD plus tax better off with AT&T if you use Auto Pay as the 10GB plan they have (when visiting in store, only cost me $46 USD taxes included). But if that difference in price doesn’t bother you (take into account the exchange rate and how long you are over there), Verizon is a great option. If you plan to travel in Mexico or Canada, AT&T will be your best option for your travel – which is something pretty important for travelers to consider since Verizon charge $5 a day for this. I would rather have roaming for free.

AT&T are a really solid prepaid sim card option – for less. They have great coverage but like with all of them it does have a few coverage issues in remote places but no company is exempt from this. You can’t get disappointed with the offerings of AT&T at all it seems. It will depend on where you plan to travel – as they do have slightly less coverage than Verizon here and there, but all in all this is a really good option for traveling across the US, Canada and Mexico – and one I can wholly recommend.

T-Mobile Prepaid Sim Plans

T-Mobile are a solid third – and a popular choice with travelers due to the low cost. But at what price?

It will really depend on where you are traveling for this one. I surveyed travelers who recently used T-Mobile and their feedback was not on par with Verizon and AT&T. Large cities had outages (including ones like Las Vegas), some remote areas had zero coverage – when others at least had a few bars. If you are driving and relying on maps this should be a consideration for you over cheaper prices – because I need to know where I am, and if I have car trouble I need to be able to call someone. However, other travelers I know have also had no issues with T-Mobile. Hawaii has great feedback, and California as well, but it will depend on where you are within these places too.

T-Mobile Coverage Map

T-Mobile as you can see has a lot more coverage issues than the others. This can matter to you if you are within these areas – especially if driving and using a GPS on your phone. The pink represents coverage. The white represents no coverage – which is actually quite significant and not just situated in remote areas either.

I had a hire car hotspot with T-Mobile in 2017, and unfortunately it dipped out more than it should have given what it was hired for. When I drove from Las Vegas to Page, Arizona it dipped out a few times, from Page through Monument Valley it was ok – but when I headed up through Utah to Arches National Park and a few other places, as you can see on the map, I had zero coverage (which luckily didn’t matter too much as it was a straight run on one road). But had I broken down – I would not have been able to call anyone. And that alone freaks me out. I can’t vouch for how At&T and Verizon would have been in these areas, but I can bet that they would at least have had pockets of coverage within these areas based on their maps and the feedback i have been receiving from others.

T-Mobile also have a handy comparison chart on their site for the T-Mobile ONE plan – but again they do seem to sell themselves as being ‘superior’ based on cost and speeds – but the coverage issues will impact on these promises. So take that into consideration when comparing them to the others.

Data, Talk & Text

T-Mobile’s plans cover a range of differences depending on what you are looking for. The table below highlights what you can get with them. Do note that Unlimited for T-Mobile is set to 50GB a month, before speeds decrease.

Pay As You Go – starts from $3 a month, and includes 30 minutes of talk, 30 text messages – you need to purchase a pass to use wifi.

Simply PrepaidUnlimited talk and text within the US. Current promotion looks to be $40 plus tax for 10GB on 4G LTE. If you plan on traveling to Canada or Mexico it is an extra $5 a month to use this there. Hotspot is capped to your data allowance at full speed.

T-Mobile Essentials PrepaidUnlimited data on 4G LTE, unlimited talk and text within the US. Includes complimentary unlimited service in Canada and Mexico for talk and text. Unlimited data is available there but at 2G speeds (which is how it differs from the ONE plan.)  Hotspot is unlimited at 3G speeds. If traveling somewhere else you can get 500 MB of LTE data abroad for $5/day. Free stuff on T-Mobile Tuesdays. Price for 1 person is $60 plus tax.

T-Mobile ONE – Unlimited data with 4G LTE, unlimited talk and text within the US. Includes complimentary unlimited service in Canada and Mexico for talk, text and 5GB 4G LTE data. Hotspot is unlimited at 3G speeds. If traveling somewhere else you can get 500 MB of LTE data abroad for $5/day. Free stuff on T-Mobile Tuesdays. Price for 1 person is $70 USD (tax looks to be included).

If you want to add on international calling option with any of the prepaid plans it will cost an additional $15 a month. If you add on Auto Pay to any plans it looks to have a $5 discount per month.

The best plan for a single 1 line plan looks to be the $60 plus tax prepaid plan – as you get everything you need if traveling within the US. If you are planning to travel into Canada or Mexico – upgrade to the $70 plan. But do remember that the coverage is not the best in certain areas – so if you can get an unlimited plan with Verizon for $70 (with Auto Pay) or an unlimited plan with AT&T for $55 (with Auto Pay and not hotspot) – why would you bother going with T-Mobile if the coverage isn’t that great where you will be and the price is comparable? Thus, the decision will come down to a number of factors on whether this is the best deal for you.

T-Mobile Tourist Plan

Alongside the ones listed above, if you aren’t traveling in the US for a month, T-Mobile has a tourist plan that you can access in store once you have arrived. If you choose this plan you can’t upgrade to others. So you will have to go back in store to change it if you end up staying longer etc.

The Tourist Plan is $30 plus tax and gives travelers 1000 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and unlimited data at 4G LTE – although it is capped at 2GB for 4G LTE speeds which would pose a problem if you are traveling more than 1-2 weeks in my opinion, as you would go over this before then and face reduced speeds. Plus there are WAY better deals out there for data – even with T-Mobile’s other plans. You really want the best speeds possible the whole time if you can. I think it is an extra $10 USD to upgrade the data (based on the feedback I have seen on people using this plan.)

If you don’t use your phone much, then this is a decent deal. But again, it will depend on where you are traveling on whether you get the coverage you need.

T-Mobile Multi-Line Discount

If you are looking for a family deal, T-Mobile have a current offer of 4 lines for $35 each. Unlimited plans including Netflix as long as Auto Pay has been activated.

Example Plan

If you have 4 people needing sim cards it will cost you $140 USD or $35 each – if you Auto Pay. Taxes and fees included. This price is around the same as the others, except T-Mobile aren’t 7GB or 8GB plans but unlimited plans instead. Which is great. Overall, their multi-line plan offers a saving of $100 for 4 people. If there are 2 of you, it will be $60 a line, which is a $10 discount than if you purchased the $70 full unlimited plan on your own.

Final Thoughts

T-Mobile offer some amazing deals. They have something for everyone and have good data allowance. However, their coverage map and the feedback that I have had from some travelers don’t make me want to rely on it should I be unable to access wifi or find free wifi where I am to get me by when I am in no coverage areas. It is also hard to tell which plans have no tax or fees and which ones do. As there is conflicting information within their graphics – though I think the T-Mobile ONE plan is the only one without fees.

Overall, it is up to you to decide based on where you will be traveling on whether the gaps in coverage are going to matter to you. I would prefer to take a 10GB plan or less for a little more money if it meant I was within the top tiers. Based on my use of hotel wifi at night and google maps/social media activity during the day, 8GB is more than enough data for 1 month if you are not streaming/downloading on your phone. Use hotel wifi or Starbucks for those kinds of things if you need to download large files. You don’t need unlimited plans. So T-Mobile for me are just ok.

Sprint Prepaid Sim Plans

Sprint are the lowest of the four companies given the coverage. However, on price they are in line with T-Mobile, offering a cheap and cost effective plan for customers.

Sprint Coverage Map

Data, Talk & Text

Sprint don’t seem to have very many options compared to the others.

It is really hard to even research what plans they have. I had to find other websites from October 2018 which list everything they currently have! This is really concerning from a customer perspective. Having a clear website is step 1 when it comes to selling a service. They don’t have this.

What is on their website is this:

There is no further information one can access online about it which is a shame – even just to see what higher data plans would be. I did manage to find some information about the following prepaid sim card plans with Sprint but be aware they may be different to what you can find in store.

Spirit Forward Unlimited Prepaid Plan

If you purchase this plan, you appear to get unlimited talk and text in the US and unlimited international text for $60 a month plus tax — if you enroll in Auto Pay. The second line will come out to $40 plus tax and every line after that will cost you $20 plus tax if you choose to add more people to it (up to 5 people).

Additionally, if you don’t want to spend as much, you can apparently purchase a 4G Sprint Forward plan — where you can get 4GB of 4G LTE for $45 per person. If you opt for AutoPay, you’ll pay $40 for the first line and $45 for every line after that as there are no further discounts on this plan. Aside from the 4GB of data, you’ll also have unlimited talk and text within the US and unlimited international texting.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say I am impressed with Sprint at all. But some people use them so they are worth considering. I don’t like that their website is vague with pricing and even showcasing plans. I wish I could actually provide you with solid information on them but this was the best I could find – after 2 days of searching everywhere. Their coverage is not that great if data matters to you, but the pricing is good.

Use Sprint at your own risk.

Sim Corner

Sim Corner is a great way for foreigners to purchase a prepaid sim card before you travel. They are far better than any airport kiosk – NEVER ever buy from an airport kiosk – rip off central! I have used similar services in the UK through GiffGaff, a UK phone company; but Sim Corner are a 3rd party company which means they need to make money on their service. They are legit and are based out of Australia – I have not heard a negative word about them and people receiving their sim cards before they depart haven’t seemed to encounter issues. Though some people have been unable to use the sim cards when heading away, but that isn’t Sim Corner’s fault. It happens sometimes. Sim Corner have sim cards for use in many countries, and they sell plans that are available in those countries.

The only downside I can see is the amount they charge for what you can do yourself when you land. And in all honesty? It really isn’t that hard to find a store when you arrive in the city you land in and sort it out yourself. But you do save yourself the trouble of having to locate a phone company – so that is a plus with using companies like this. Especially if you are unable to spend time going in store, getting a sim etc and just want to be able to get on with your holiday.

Pre-paid Plans You Can Buy At Sim Corner

Verizon

There are no plans with Sim Corner to purchase a Verizon plan. If you want to use Verizon you will need to locate them upon landing in the city you are staying.

AT&T

In September this year, I found myself at AT&T and walked in around 8pm at night. I had landed at 2pm and got into San Francisco by 4pm as I was staying at the airport for an early flight to Canada the following morning. I walked into AT&T after doing some exploring (without wifi – though I did find some free wifi!) and said to the guy working there that I needed a sim card for around 8GB. I was told if I chose the Auto Pay option I could have a discount from $50 plus tax to $40 plus tax for a 10GB plan – so that is what I did. My sim card cost me $46 USD ($63 USD – at a rate of 0.7198) and I had great coverage everywhere on this trip – including in the Canadian Rockies.

A few days before I left the US, I went into AT&T and had them turn Auto Pay off (i couldn’t log in to my account as i didnt know what zipcode my account was under) and everything was sorted. I actually spent the time it took the guy to activate my phone making a friend with an American girl who enjoyed travel – so all in all the 10 minutes it took me to walk in and do this was not bad at all! I was confident in my purchase, and could see that my sim card worked in my phone. As someone who was driving in 10 plus cities over 2 weeks – I needed wifi to work well on this trip.

(If you forget to turn Auto Pay off – you will likely have to call AT&T from your home country. This is the only way to stop the payments being taken. So just make sure you are turning that feature off if you use Auto Pay!)

An 8G sim card plan with Sim Corner for AT&T will cost you $89 AUD or $64 USD at a rate of 0.7198. Considering I received a 10GB plan for $46 USD or $64 AUD – if you want around 8GB you are actually 2 GB’s worse off, as well as $20-25 AUD worse off buying from Sim Corner. So if you are looking for a 10GB plan or less – my advice is to go in store and get one. $20 is a big enough difference when we want our money to go far – as is the data allowance difference that you will lose – and would benefit from having access to that you miss out on.

The AT&T unlimited plan is $120 AUD or $86 USD at a rate of 0.7198 (don’t forget that includes free coverage in Canada and Mexico) if you purchase with Sim Corner. If you go in store to AT&T, the unlimited plan with hotspot will cost you $65 USD plus tax with auto pay ($90 AUD at a rate of 0.7198). $75 plus tax without Auto Pay ($104 AUD at a rate of 0.7198). The difference with the Sim Corner price is $15-30 AUD depending on if you select to use Auto Pay.

But if you don’t require hotspot access it will be $55 USD plus tax – as long as you use Auto Pay, otherwise it is $65 plus tax. This means you would be paying $76 AUD – $90 AUD if buying either of these in store – but Sim Corner charge $120 AUD which is $30 – 44 AUD difference, so they make money on your purchase – at your expense. Bear in mind the cheaper unlimited plan has no hotspot so it is better to compare the $75 unlimited plan to this one, as the Sim Corner unlimited says it has hotspot. If you’re looking for an unlimited plan with AT&T, going direct seems to be the best option price wise – especially if you aren’t sure if your phone will even work over there!

Please note, if you are traveling for longer than the month you have a valid plan with Sim Corner – you will have to go in store to gain another month. You cannot renew plans online with Sim Corner.

T-Mobile

A 6GB T-Mobile plan with T-Mobile retails at $65 AUD which is $46 USD at a rate of 0.71986GB plans actually don’t exist in the US so you can get a 10GB plan in store for $40 USD plus tax ($55 AUD at a rate of 0.7198). Therefore, with Sim Corner – you are actually 4GB worse off than if you waited until you arrived in the US. The price is around $5 more with Sim Corner once tax is added too.

A unlimited T-Mobile plan with Sim Corner however would cost $99 AUD which is $71 USD. Depending on if you purchased the $60 Essential plan ($83 AUD) at a rate of 0.7198 or $70 ONE plan ($97 AUD) at a rate of 0.7198 you would be paying $83-97 AUD if you bought these plans in store. So if you wanted the $70 plan, you would be no better off buying in store than if you purchased it through Sim Corner. But, if you have any issues with your phone and can’t use the sim card, you would lose this money, so I would rather buy there in case my phone didn’t work with it.

Ultimately though, T-Mobile are the 3rd best phone company in the US right now – so are you really getting a good deal being on unlimited with them? There are better deals out there which will give you better coverage. But, if T-Mobile have great coverage in the areas you will be visiting – and you don’t plan to hire a car, then T-Mobile are a fine choice.

Sprint

There are no plans with Sim Corner to purchase a Sprint plan. If you want to use Sprint you will need to locate them upon landing in the city you are staying.

Final Thoughts?

It is up to you whether you see the value in Sim Corner over other means. Personally, when it comes to issues with activating sim cards – particularly if your phone doesn’t allow another sim card for some reason – you will lose money if you purchase something you can’t actually use. Which can happen. But you won’t know until you are over there that this is an issue.

Additionally, the deals are good in some aspects for travel in the US, but the in-store deals and prices are better (even with conversion) with some phone companies directly, than purchasing with Sim Corner or other 3rd party companies in most instances. Sim Corner doesn’t allow for the purchase of Verizon plans which is a detriment to what they offer, given the reliability and confidence travelers will have using Verizon in the US. But, if you don’t care about the pricing difference, and want an active sim card ready to use in the US when you land – then Sim Corner definitely ticks boxes and most people love the ease of it.

Is There Free Wifi In The USA?

Yes.

Whether you are shopping in Target, or drinking a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks – free wifi is everywhere. You can access it at McDonald’s, Panera Bread or any shopping mall.

If you have a small data allowance I always recommend you activate the complimentary wifi wherever you are to save your own. But I have never exceeded a plan – and for the 2 weeks I just spent in the US and Canada – I wasn’t even close to using 4GB and I was on Facebook a lot uploading videos, photos and running Live posts; as well as using Google Maps for hours on end! You really need to have a 7GB plan per month – no less, to not run out of data.

You can make your data go very far in the US – unlike Australia. But you really don’t need to have an unlimited plan if you are traveling for only a month and using it for general use.

Why You Don’t Need A Navman When Renting A Car

Lastly, the one question many travelers ask is – what is the best way to have a GPS or Navman when renting a car in the US?

I used to purchase a Navman as I trusted them – plus I always need one to get around. I can’t drive without something guiding me. And over the years sim card options were not always cost effective for travelers. Times have changed. If you own a Navman and it has maps of the US available, you can take it over with you – but it will add to your luggage weight. Additionally, you can also make a Walmart run and buy a GPS that works in the US, but you will need to work out how to get to Walmart as many Walmarts aren’t centrally located.

During the 2 weeks I traveled in the US and Canada, I had my AT&T phone plan which had 10GB of data – and I only noticed it dip out here or there. Usually when I was driving and in a more remote place like the Oregon coast etc. But it was not for long and my Google map itinerary still worked even so (so I knew where I was at all times) and could still get to my destination. What I did notice however was the GPS I had booked for the Canadian Rockies – which saw me in Calgary and driving to Canmore and Banff barely worked. It was really hard to use. It was also taking me on routes that were longer than the Google Maps – as this app updates in real time and notifies you of faster routes. Navman’s don’t seem to do that.

I also purchased a phone holder (which connects to your air conditioning compartment) for $4 at Kmart before I left Australia. This was the best buy I found and my phone was always held secure in it. (Plus it twists if you need to look at it vertical or horizontally.) It does increase in temperature if really hot, and get cold if the AC is directly on it – so it can fritz out. But, you don’t have to use a holder as long as the audio is running.

I will never hire or use a Navman again, at home or when I am overseas because Google Maps does the job well. So as long as I have data – I can use my phone.

Final Thoughts

I really hope this overview helped you for planning or taking your US travels. Obviously, you don’t have to agree with my recommendations. But as someone who travels to the US yearly, and often for more than 1 month stints, I know value when I see it and I am not afraid to purchase a sim card plan until I arrive. That is my travel style. I have used sim cards in different countries and know when a country has a value for money deal. So the whole purpose of this article is to try and highlight what I see as being good value. There are tons of choices out there. But if you care about price, plans you can access with your phone and the coverage they offer – then I hope you take these things on board before making a decision on which once to purchase.

For my next trip to the US, I will only consider buying prepaid sim cards from AT&T – especially if I am traveling in Canada or Mexico, it will always be AT&T – unless Verizon make that aspect a little more competitive and can be used on Aussie phones.

If you’re traveling to the US in future, or want some travel inspiration for the US make sure you join my growing Facebook group Travel In The USA – Practical Advice For Everyone to connect with those who can help you – including me. And be sure to follow my Facebook page where I post TONS more tips – because writing articles takes a lot of time! 

Pin This For Your Next US Adventure

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Educating Your Child When Traveling Australia – Informal Homeschooling Ideas https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/educating-your-child-travel-homeschool-australia/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/educating-your-child-travel-homeschool-australia/#respond Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:07:39 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=6964 Traveling has never been more popular for Australians. But there has been a burgeoning trend over recent years, particularly among Aussie families who are deciding to embark on 12 month ‘laps’ around Australia, or long term travel within Australia. With the current situation of the corona virus making schools a place “not’ to be – […]

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Traveling has never been more popular for Australians. But there has been a burgeoning trend over recent years, particularly among Aussie families who are deciding to embark on 12 month ‘laps’ around Australia, or long term travel within Australia. With the current situation of the corona virus making schools a place “not’ to be – this article is more relevant to parents more than ever in keeping their kids schooling happening. Their learning should not stop.

As a traveler – I see so many benefits for children to start traveling from an early age. School will always be one place learning occurs, but it is not the only avenue – and parents play a key role in the success of their children’s academic lives no matter what the learning environment. But, as a teacher, I also see the importance of education and not falling behind in school – which can impact on the future of any child. So no matter the reason for your child not being in school, there is so much you can do to aid their learning.

The Arguments For & Against Taking Children Out Of School

I am a casual relief teacher in Victoria, (who works within one high school); which sees me step in and out of different classrooms constantly. Thus, I have seen a lot from both sides of this argument. As a global traveler for the past decade, I truly see the ‘travel expands a person’s worldview’ argument – which leads to many parents opting to give their children the best start in life they can. This doesn’t always have to be within a classroom, or within the “best” school. It can be on the road, exploring our magnificent country. Or even a trip overseas for even more cultural learning. Travel will always be important to us as human beings – with learning opportunities remaining endless.

However, I also see the importance of learning and ensuring the skills students need to succeed are learnt. Which when children miss school – this can impact on this success. Keep in mind that no school is exempt from student learning being disrupted. Each term, a school will have a number of things which will take away from active learning in the classroom – school incursions, excursions, assemblies, camps, wellbeing visits during class times, absent teachers (which can last weeks or even months) – even distractions. Most students within Australia have Ipads and laptops in class, especially in the high school environment. Just because a student is in class or attending a traditional school; it doesn’t always mean that they are actively learning every second of the day – there are many distractions within a classroom and technology has made this harder to combat. So always keep these things in mind if you’re worrying about your child being away from school.

This article is in no way designed to be a guide piece on HOW to educate your child outside of the school system. It is meant to be an overview of how you can EDUCATE your child informally or formally within the period you are away – or when you’re at home and are looking for ways to do more. It remains up to you to read curriculum documents for your state, undertake distance education programs or speak to your child’s school to understand what skills they need to be learning at their age/ability levels, if they are not attending a traditional school for a set period.

I am not an expert. I am just a casual relief teacher who sees a lot of parents stressing out over this issue after making this decision – and they need not be! I just want to share ideas on skills I see students learning everyday, and how you can bridge that gap in some way while you’re away.

Some Things To Remember

If you are embarking on a 12 month period of travel – you should be researching about enrolling your child into a distance education program or home schooling program (in Victoria this is only relevant to those aged 6-17 years.) You will need to check the laws set out by your state for what is required. (If your child is heading into the final years of high school, you definitely need to talk with your child’s school before deciding if you should be taking them with you.)

If you are traveling for 6 months or less (or even a term) – then you may have a partial enrolment with your child’s school (or at least an agreement with them), to ensure that your child doesn’t miss out on key skills/content whilst they are away. Or the school may allow you to set activities or complete tasks based on the travel you are doing with your child – this really depends on their age/school level at the time.

If you do decide to undertake distance education – many parents stress so much about meeting deadlines and keeping up with it all – don’t fret if you are behind or don’t complete the work. Any work you do will be a benefit. It is unrealistic to expect you can keep up with everything they expect and travel. Plus – stressing your child out when you’re already adjusting to living on the road is not going to help them. It could foster a negative learning environment – which is the last thing anyone wants! There are many ways to create informal learning opportunities every day.

Realise that every subject within the school curriculum can be covered in some way – even on the road. Look at the areas your child loves and make those a priority. But also try and incorporate your child into new subject areas or communicate with them about what is interesting them most right now.

If your child has not started school yet, skill them up on basics that you would have been doing at home. It makes no difference that you are traveling. Reading books and writing (with a pencil) particularly.

Ultimately, the success of your child’s education comes down to their own attitude on their schooling and the expectations that are set by parents. Teachers do their best to foster learning and inspire – but we are not the only reason your child learns at school.

Below is a snapshot of what you can do within certain subjects, not every one that is available, should you need the inspiration.

Educating Or Homeschooling Your Child

English (Or Literacy Based Activities)

Reading

Reading enhances the literacy levels of your child, it helps them with spelling, learning new words, and becoming familiar with punctuation and sentence structure. It also fosters creativity and imagination within them. Reading makes better readers. It also makes better writers.

If your child hates reading, ask them why. Communication will explain a lot to you and help you find reading materials which will make them interested in this area. There are books out there which aren’t so text heavy – Manga particularly. But it is still all reading. Take them to the library if you can, look at books you already own, download e-books – there is no reason your child can’t be reading.

ACTIVITIES

Read books for 30 minutes a day. (Real ones at first and ease into e-books as your child gets older). In Victoria, your school can register your child for the Premiers Reading Challenge. (Ask them to do this before you leave for a major holiday) to give them a little challenge with their reading. Any reading is beneficial, no matter what it is.

Australian texts. If you want to help your child learn about Australian history, there are many texts available which will assist with this. See History section for titles.

Literature studies. Just reading a book is not enough the older they get. If you are familiar with a story – or even a film, get your child talking about it. Ask them what themes/messages belong in the story, ask them to describe the characters, setting etc so you can foster some higher level thinking within a text. Even better, if you can compare similarities and differences between two things – especially between texts/characters etc then this will enhance the critical thinking elements they learn from year 7. Things many students struggle to do. Even drawing a picture of anything within this is a good idea.

If you’re looking for structured worksheetsBreaking News English is a good resource a number of teachers use in their classes. It breaks work down into different levels – so you can work to your child’s level. This is also really good for children who don’t have english as their first language or children with special needs. Activities include reading, vocabulary, fill in the missing gaps etc.

When driving, have your child read road signs out load (if they can read). They can make a list of the places you drive through, the places you stay and learn all the towns and cities of Australia – many Australian children (and even adults) cannot do this!

Apps. There are many apps available like those listed here. Many of these would work to not only engage your child but also to educate them and build their skills in comprehension, spelling, phonics and writing.

*During the Corona Virus – Scholastic has opened up free online classes for those in primary school. They are US based but may still be worthwhile to look at. They are adding 15 more days to this site as they can. Click here to access it.

Writing

Writing is a skill students need to progress in throughout their student career. Writing takes practice, but editing work is also a great skill to grow. Any writing is important and as I always say “you can edit 100 pages of writing. But you can’t edit a blank page.” Any writing will be beneficial to a child becoming a stronger student. Also ensure they are writing with pencils or pens as often as possible – this skill is on the decline since technology was introduced into the classroom on a worldwide scale.

ACTIVITIES

While reading, get your child to note down any unfamiliar words in a reading log. We often get students in Year 7-9 to define these words as well – so they are actually learning the words in case they reappear in other texts.

Journal writing. Have your child create a journal that they write in daily about your travels. It can be as detailed or basic as you like. If they struggle to put thoughts down, write one with them and have them base their writing on what you have done. Teachers model to students all the time – so there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing things this way. They can glue pictures into it and make it a worthwhile memory of your adventures too. This journal is a really cool option if you are looking to buy a ready – made journal your kids will love.

Spelling. You can use apps (there are basic ones out there). Like with the road sign activity listed above, you can also get your child to spell the town names and write them down.

Write stories. You can have your child write a story (real or imaginary) where they get to be a little creative. Ask them to check their work including using capital letters, full stops, commas, question marks and general paragraph structure. (Kids have a habit of writing a whole page without any paragraph breaks.)

Adjectives, Nouns, Verbs etc. Students that can be descriptive are a step ahead of those who can’t. If your child can make a sentence like “the girl ran over the hill” into something like “the young girl ran quickly over the steep green hill” they are already developing their writing – no matter what the purpose of their piece. Any parent can learn these if they have forgotten them, and teach their child the basics.

Essay Writing. Unless you understand how to write an essay, this won’t be easy to do. Most schools use the TEEL template for essay writing paragraphs. TEEL standing for:

Topic Sentence – Explains what the paragraph is going to be about (ensuring the essay question is being answered).

Example/Evidence – What examples you will be speaking about to help answer the question.

Explanation – using your examples, explaining them in more detail and how they relate to the essay question.

Link – A summary sentence to link the whole paragraph to the essay question once again.

If your child understands this process already, getting them to practice paragraph writing will help them in their Year 7-12 studies. If not, they will learn it when they return.

Apps/Games around writing. Apps like Words With Friends or 4 Pics One Word are really fun games to play. Board games like Scattegories and Scrabble are also great – and fun! Also look at the list of activities listed under Apps in the Reading section. Technology today is constantly fostering learning.

Maths/Financial Literacy/Problem Solving/Science

Maths can be learnt in so many ways – not just through formal activities. Financial literacy is a skill many schools are really pushing today because it is used beyond the school years. Problem solving can be learnt within many subjects, not just maths based ones. Science can be covered in some ways whilst away, either formally or informally.

ACTIVITIES

Cooking. Teach your children about fractions using measuring cups and spoons. (They can also be involved in the cooking process that way too.) Since many people have a lot of food at home – based on the lack of it in supermarkets, cooking can be a fun way to pass the time and enjoy a reward for learning.

Distance. Being able to understand a road sign with numbers. What is a kilometer? Look at how far you drive between places (you can use Google maps), calculate distances between point A to B or even places in between. Having your children understand how far you travel per day (and even how far away you are from home) is pretty interesting for them to learn – they will need to know how to do this when they get older. Plus it will tie into geography skills too.

Budgeting your trip..Explain the costs you spend each day and have your child track it. Better yet, if you need to stick to strict budgets make it a game by getting them to help you cut costs or look for ways to stay on budget. If they understand the value of the dollar this will help them in life when traveling themselves – even when converting money for overseas trips. For even more financial literacy ideas check out the apps listed here for more ideas – some of these look really good!

Counting games. Count things you see on the road. Can be Trucks, VW Beetles, or anything you think you will see enough of. It keeps the longer drives interesting.

Riddles. Telling riddles or asking your child to answer technical questions can be really fun and enforces critical thinking in your child. This is something they need practice in.

Science. There are many ways to introduce science into your child’s learning. Visiting science center’s or science areas within museums, talking to them about the basics like the Solar System, using apps that your school should have access to (Stile App is the biggest one right now), and that you can set up prior to leaving and have access to based on the work a teacher sets for their classes. If you want basics like learning about cells Icell is a good one to use as it is interactive and has information included.

*Due to the Corona Virus, Stile are offering free use of their app for Semester 1, so ask your school if they are using this in their classes.  

Apps. Math based apps (Mathletics) or (Mathseeds) or (Mathspace – you have to work with a teacher within your school to set work from it, but you can set this up before you go); how to tell the time (Jungle time); or anything else you can find will always be winners. Other apps that I have seen math classes using recently include (some of them are free or only a few dollars to purchase):

Solveme – a game covering basic problem solving and balancing equations.

Cloud Times tables – which focuses on learning times tables.

Tanzen – an app which involves moving geometric shapes to create pictures (you could use any Tetris game to help build this kind of skill too.)

Paperama – an origami challenge game.

All of these are worth downloading.

Geography

As you are traveling around Australia – there are countless opportunities for geography skills and learning to take place.

ACTIVITIES

Map your trip. Get them to mark off the route you drive, the towns you stop in etc. This is invaluable to any child as many Australian high school students have little knowledge of where cities are in Australia – let alone the world. You will need to prepare for this before you leave so they have resources for them to draw on.

Learn BOLTSS. When it comes to map skills, we use BOLTSS for map work from year 7 (Border, Orientation, Legend, Title, Scale and Source.) You could work with them on state maps or national ones. Before you leave, print off blank maps of each state and turn it into a fun activity every time you move somewhere. They can colour in lakes, beaches, forests, “big” items found in Australia etc too.

Time Zones. If your child wants a challenge, you can show them the World Clock on your phone or laptop and get them to plot what time 9am, 1pm, 5pm, 9pm and midnight is across one point in the world. You can include a blank world map and get them to shade what the world looks like when it is 10pm and 10am in Melbourne, Australia. This kind of learning doesn’t happen often in class. When students travel internationally do they actually understand this kind of thing. If your child can understand that half the world is in the Australian timezone and the other half is a day behind – these are math and geography skills that all of us should know – not just school students.

History

Australia is full of history. No matter where you are you can cover a lot within the history subject area.

ACTIVITIES

Visit historic locations. Whether it is Sovereign Hill and The Gold Rush, Glenrowan and Bushrangers, Uluru and Aboriginal History or even Port Arthur about Gun Control – there is so much to learn on any day out in Australia.

Visit museums. Same as with historic locations, museums often house local offerings so you can understand the city you are in and what makes it so interesting.

Read books. There are many Australian history books out there which make learning history fun. Jackie French’s books are amazing for teaching Australian history e.g ‘The Goat Who Sailed the World’ teaches about Captain Cook. Other texts that teach about global histories include ‘The Boy In The Striped Pajamas’ or ‘The Book Thief’ or Morris Gleitzman’s series of books beginning with Once which are all based on the Holocaust.  The list of what you can do here is endless.

Talk to them. You would be surprised at what little information children know about historic events. Whether it be national or global: events like the Holocaust, Titanic, 9/11 and even British settlement into Australia are all things they can learn in simple conversations based on what you know. As a casual relief teacher I often do mini lessons on topics the students have no background in simply because they want to know about it. Conversations are wonderful learning opportunities.

Cooking

Cooking is an activity you likely already do with your children. But there are still ways to incorporate learning into your daily meal making. Teaching them anything about cooking will always be valuable. But there are some things they should be learning.

ACTIVITIES

How to read and buy ingredients plus follow a recipe. Reading a recipe is a learned behaviour. It is something a child needs help to do. But once they understand how it works, they will be able to do this themselves. Make it a real everyday activity by taking them shopping to buy ingredients, prepare the food, cook with you and clean up after eating! Let them lead you.

Safety in the kitchen. When cooking with your child, make sure you explain about how to be safe in the kitchen. Informing children about chopping boards, heat, oil, and sharp objects – all of this will help them in their own kitchen when they grow older. They learn all of this within food subjects in high school.

How to read packaging labels. Given the rise in healthy eating, teaching children how to eat well, how to read a nutrition label and ingredients list will always help them become better eaters and cooks. They will learn this in PE and food related subjects in high school.

Photography/Media Studies/Drama

Creativity can be practiced on any trip. Whether it is photography, film making or the like, there are many opportunities to teach kids how to be creative – particularly if you have a Facebook page/blog of your travels.

ACTIVITIES

Photography Skills. If you have a DSLR camera you can teach your child how to use it. Though these days, even an iphone or Samsung can do the trick quite well. If your child is learning about framing a shot, aperture, shutter speed and ISO then they are already learning skills that students learn in Year 9.

Movie Making. In today’s world being able to create movies is becoming very easy – and cheap! You don’t even need a video camera – a smartphone or tablet will suffice. Plus many come with programs like movie maker, which make it really easy to edit and create cool videos of your travels. If your child can do any of this, they are already learning skills that many don’t until mid high school years.

Sock Puppets App. The sock puppets app is really cool. I have seen students use this in language classes, media etc. The animated sock puppets lip sync your child’s voice.

Performing Plays or Re-enacting Stories You Read. Don’t just settle for reading a story – perform them! You can take turns reading parts, perform mini plays or just scenes from a story. Easy really.

Sport/Social Events

Sport has never been more important to any school experience. It should not be neglected with a recommendation of 60 minutes of activity per day for children. Interacting with other children is also really important as part of interpersonal relationship building.

ACTIVITIES

Playing games. Allow your child to run around, play games and get their energy released. Schooling is not just about academics.

Skill based sports. Teach them how to shoot a basketball, how to play cricket, learn the rules of AFL – whatever sports they are interested in.

Playdates. You are not the only ones undertaking this adventure. Make connections in Facebook groups like this one. Start meeting people at free camps or paid ones. See if you have similar itineraries to others and plan to meet up. This will help your child interact with other kids and ensure they are building their social circles.

The Choice Is Yours

Ultimately, it is up to you on what subjects you focus on. But there are endless learning opportunities available no matter where you are – and you don’t always require a wifi connection.

I really hope this article helps in some way to give you confidence in keeping your child an active learner on the road. But always remember, don’t pressure yourself to be pushing through content. Just do what you can – most people do start strong and scale back (even when undertaking a distance education program).

What some people have told me they do on the road is set deadlines per week – x4 Math hours: which can include formal work, times tables, math apps – as long as 4 hours happen per week. And best of all, if your child is feeling productive they can complete all 4 hours in a matter of days and have x amount of days off from doing Maths for the rest of the week. If it feels stale – this is a great idea!

The most important thing is your child is likely learning far more in some cases than other students in Australia simply by being in locations where things happened, or by being on the road and experiencing things themselves. Something no book can effectively teach them. They may miss out on some content by being away, but they can catch up when they return with your help and a good attitude.

As long as learning is happening – any education on the road is important and beneficial to them as active learners. If kids are stuck at home, giving them some variety in their day with structured learning will help them fight boredom during this Virus.

Let me know if you have any questions. I am always willing to help if I can.

 

Pin This For Your Next Educational Adventure!

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Take A ‘York Tour’ With The York Attraction Pass https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/york-tours-with-york-pass-review/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/york-tours-with-york-pass-review/#respond Mon, 24 Sep 2018 05:34:43 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=6666 Visit York provided me with a complimentary York Pass to assist me in writing this article. As always, all recommendations remain my own. I only review activities I would happily pay for and inspire others to use on their own travels, whether I partner with a brand or pay for it during my visit.  Why […]

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Visit York provided me with a complimentary York Pass to assist me in writing this article. As always, all recommendations remain my own. I only review activities I would happily pay for and inspire others to use on their own travels, whether I partner with a brand or pay for it during my visit. 

Why You Should Take A York Tour

The Shambles York

When it comes to charm and historic cities, York is where any traveler to the U.K. should be exploring. Dating back to 71AD, during the time of the Ancient Romans, York remains one of the oldest walled cities still standing today. It is located in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, just over 90 minutes train ride from London. (Which I wholeheartedly recommend as a transport option!)

This past April, on a whirlwind trip back to a country I called home for almost 2 years, I finally made it here for a York tour when I took the train from London to Glasgow – with an overnight stop in York. I can’t believe I waited so long to make it here! What a mistake that was – this is a diamond in the rough city that will make anyone appreciate history. It’s that impressive.

Now that I have been, I can honestly say that York is the perfect place to stop on any South-North train journey in the U.K. I am so glad I decided to do a proper stop in this picture perfect city – rather than just a day stop like I initially considered doing. This is one perfect town, steeped in history – and you will honestly love it!

A Tour Of York With The York Pass

Visit York with The York Pass

Prior to my arrival in York, I knew that I would have a number of attractions to see – in a very short amount of time (I was there from lunchtime and left at 7am the following morning)! After researching the York Pass, I saw just how valuable this would be for any traveler that would be visiting York. I approached Visit York about using a York Pass while I was in town; so I could test it out and see what its value was like for those wanting to use it – even for just one day – rather than paying for individual admissions. And I am so glad I did.

Visit York provided me with tons of information and a pass which I used every chance I could during my stay; and I can wholly vouch for using this pass on your visit. As a traveler, this is such great value, no matter how many days you need it for. Had I not received it complimentary, I would have purchased this based on all the places I knew I had to see and pay admission for – all of which are included in this pass. It is a real money saver as the rest of this article will attest to!

Visit York are an awesome tourism board who truly want people to see, eat and explore their way through their city. I’ve seen a ton of city passes all over the world, and this pass truly covers everything one could want. It also offers dining discounts in York and travel discounts should you want to venture just outside York for even more sightseeing – though York has plenty to see!

The pass options are:

-1 Day Pass: £42 Adults, £26 Children

-2 Day Pass: £60 Adults, £30 Children

-3 Day Pass: £70 Adults, £35 Children

-6 Day Pass: £130 Adults, £70 Children

For each of the attractions I feature, I will show you what I would have spent in 1 day, so you can see how much of a saving the York Pass actually was for what I saw – particularly for a first time visit where you need to ensure you see as much as possible!

Top Things To See In York (With The York Pass)

If you have a limited time frame for seeing things – or just want to make sure you visit all of the top attractions in York, these are the places that I made sure to see – unfortunately, I couldn’t fit everything I wanted to see – but for 6 hours in one day, I managed to fit in quite a number of attractions and eateries.

York Minster

York Minster

York Minster Cathedral is the number 1 attraction in York. Today, it remains one of the finest medieval buildings within Europe and one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, having been initially built from 1220 AD. Thus, it is a truly unmissable attraction.

A visit to York Minster is not meant to be quick. There is so much to see here – so plan to spend a good hour walking around and enjoying it all.

The stained glass windows and the handcrafted stone work are truly stunning features which highlight the stories of this cathedral. The central aisle is breathtaking. The ceiling is an architects dream. The tower is an aerial treat for those looking to really see York. But it is the undercroft, which lies beneath the cathedral which is a highlight for many – a place which was first unearthed 50 years ago and today it’s open to showcase over 2000 years of Roman and Viking history.

York Minster Undercroft

With the York Pass, York Minster is included in your fee. Without the York pass, admission for adults starts at £10 if you purchase online / £11 at the location. Accompanying children are free – up to 4 children per 1 adult. If you wish to visit the tower the cost for adults will be £16 (£15 if paying online), children £5. 

York Minster is located at Deangate, York. 

Barley Hall

Barley Hall York

Barley Hall is a very family friendly option in York – as many attractions are.

The major claim to fame for Barley Hall is that it showcases exactly what it was like to live in Medieval England, with a replication of what the time period 1483 would have looked like in a medieval townhouse.

Barley Hall is a really underrated attraction. It is not a children’s only place at all. Adults can very much enjoy it as well, especially if you are a lover of anything historic.

Barley Hall was first constructed in 1360 by monks from the Nostell Priory, but it was restored back to it’s prime after many years of decline in the 1980s – and is now on show for all of us to enjoy.

With the York Pass Barley Hall is included in your fee. An adult admission will cost £6, a child admission is £3 (family of 4 tickets are £15).

Barley Hall is located at 2 Coffee Yard, York.

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall

Merchant Adventurer's Hall

When looking at the attractions on offer in York, one of the highlights is the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall. This is a real gem that anyone is lucky enough to visit in their lifetime given this building has been standing since 1357.

The Merchant Adventurer’s Hall truly lives up to its name, considering it was the very place that was constructed to cater to the merchant “adventurers” in York – those who were willing to take risks with their own wealth to connect York to the rest of the world through trade. These adventurer’s remain only one part of the history which exists here in York; and when visiting this attraction, you can truly appreciate that.

The Merchant Adventurer’s Hall offers visitors 3 main areas of interest: The Great Hall – where medieval merchants gathered to conduct business and socialise; The Undercroft – which was used until the early 1900s as a place to house the sick and poor; and The Chapel – which offered merchants and those seeking sanctuary, a place for worship and spirituality. Visitors can enjoy a free audio tour with their ticket.

Merchant Adventurer's Hall Great Hall

The highlight remains the Great Hall however, which remains one of the most beautiful relics of medieval guild hall history in England. It is the largest timber-framed structure in the UK which is still standing and used for it’s intended purpose.

Admission for the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall is included with the York Pass. An adult admission is £6.50, concession is £5.50 (students and over 60), and children get in free with a full paying adult.

The Merchant Adventurer’s Hall is located at Fossgate, York. 

Clifford’s Tower

Clifford's Tower Exterior

Looking for a 360 view of the city of York? You can find here at Clifford’s Tower.

Originally built by William The Conqueror in 1068, the only remaining piece of York Castle, Clifford’s Tower has a rich history within the city, having served not only as a prison – but also as a mint.

Clifford’s Tower is a really cool experience – but it isn’t for the faint-hearted…there are quite a few stairs to climb before you get up to the entry point – but there is a rail to hold onto should you need it. This is a really cool way to end a day sightseeing in this marvelous city.

Clifford's Tower

Clifford's Tower Views

Entry to Clifford’s Tower is included with the York Pass. An adult admission is £5.40 and child admission is £3.20.

Clifford’s Tower is located at Tower Street, York.

York’s Chocolate Story

York's Chocolate Story

Chocolate lovers delight!

York may be historic – but it also has a mighty sweet tooth!

The York Chocolate Story invites visitors to learn about the origins of chocolate, how it is made and even allows visitors to make their own treat! York’s Chocolate Story won a Gold Award from Visit England for ‘Guided Tour Of The Year’ – so you know you’re in with a winner here.

Entry to York’s Chocolate Story is included in the York pass. Adult’s are £12.50, Children are £10. A family of 4 ticket is £39.95.

York’s Chocolate Story is located at King’s Square, York. 

Yorkshire Museum

Yorkshire Museum

The Yorkshire Museum is one of the busiest in York.

This museum is the ultimate family-friendly attraction – full of interactive and engaging exhibits across the biology, astronomy, geology and archaeology areas. Highlights in 2018 include “The York Helmet”. Prepare to spend a good 1-2 hours here.

Go early too – in the afternoon the lines are longer – and if the weather isn’t great, they are especially busy!

Admission to the Yorkshire Museum is included with the York Pass. Adults are £7.50, children under 16 are free with a paying adult.

Yorkshire Museum is located at Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York.

JORVIK Viking Centre

When it comes to York, Viking history is very much on show here. Visitors have the opportunity to visit Jorvik, the Viking Centre which showcases over 1000 years of history with a ride experience as well as gallery displays and artefacts.

This is one of York’s most popular experiences, so York pass holders are advised to go either in the early morning or after 3pm – so they aren’t delayed in seeing other attractions during the passes validity.

An admission to Jorvik is included in the York Pass. An adult admission is £11 and a child’s admission is £8.

Jorvik is located at Coppergate, York. 

Cost Of All Of These Attractions?

These York attractions are only some of what is on offer in your tour of York.

To recap:

1 day York pass is £42 for Adults, £26 for Children. 

2 day York pass is £60 for Adults, £30 for Children.

The cost to see all of the top attractions that were listed above individually is £58.90 for Adults, £29.70 for Children.

Thus, a 1 day York pass is really good value. But the 2 day York pass is exceptional value – which only gets better the longer you have it and the more you want to see. Not only do you get to see all of the top attractions – and then some; you also get a free day’s worth of sightseeing on top of it. All of the attractions I saw amounted to the equivalent of 2 days worth of attractions.

Why would you not buy this pass when in York?

Free Attractions To See On Your York Tour

York isn’t just about the paid attractions – there are tons to see here that are free and must sees, when taking a tour of York.

These are just some of the free things you can experience.

The Shambles

The Shambles York

Take a walk down the most well preserved medieval street in the world.

The Shambles is a place photographers dream of, history lovers delight in and visitors can’t get enough of.

Many of the buildings date back to the mid 14th and 15th centuries. The Shambles were initially built as a street of butchers shops and houses, many with their own slaughterhouses. The meat was then hung up outside the shop ready to sell.

This is an awesome stop no matter what your reason for visiting York. Do not miss it.

The Shambles is located at The Shambles (of course!)

The York Walls

York Wall Spaces

The York Walls are another interesting element to the city – and no York tour would be complete without it given they were built around 71 AD – making these one of the most historic attractions to visit in the city.

York Walls

York Wall

Situated in different areas of the city, the York Walls allow visitors to see a more aerial snapshot of the city whilst at the same time allowing them to appreciate the history and architecture of York and its Roman defenses from all those years ago.

Micklegate Entrance Walls

There are some amazing views along here – plus cool photos to take as you explore. There are 4 main bars or fortresses – The Micklegate Bar (pictured), Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Bootham Bar. There are 3 smaller gateways – The Fishergate Bar, Fishergate Postern and Victoria Bar (pictured below).

York Wall System

The York Walls are located at various points in the city. It will take about 2 hours to walk them all, should you wish to do so. 

Holy Trinity Micklegate

Holy Trinity Church Micklegate

Holy Trinity is a true gem in York. Visitors do make a bee line to York Minster, but the Holy Trinity Church is truly stunning – and on the much more quainter side. Initially built in the 12th Century – a little ahead of York Minster – and with additions in the 13th and 14th Centuries, Holy Trinity is a truly historic church in York.

Holy Trinity is a quick stop but one that will be remembered. The wooden roof design gives this historic church an unforgettable edge over many others within the city. If you are looking for charm and religion combined…this is where you’ll find it.

Holy Trinity Micklegate is located at 83 Micklegate, York.

Where To Eat In York

There are tons of places to eat in York – so many places that I wanted to try but ran out of time to get to.

But, I did stumble across a few diamonds within the city which I completely rate as options worth considering for your tour of York.

Spring Espresso

Spring Espresso York

Spring Espresso has been serving the York community on Fossgate since 2006. Coffee lovers couldn’t get enough of Spring Espresso though – so they opened a second location on Lendal in 2016.

Both locations offer Square Mile Coffee Roasters seasonal Redbrick Espresso plus other blends produced by guest roasters. (Either way – it all tastes good!)

Spring Espresso Cake & Coffee

A trip to Spring Espresso doesn’t have to just be about coffee – they have a delicious menu of food on offer. I had an amazing piece of Nutella cake and I tell you – it is the best Nutella cake I have ever eaten! (And I LOVE my Nutella!)

This is a must stop!

Spring Espresso is located at 21 Lendal, York. 

Teddy Bear Tea Room

Teddy Bear Tea Room York

The Teddy Bear Tea Room was a spontaneous find.

Walking through the streets of York, I needed a light lunch (this was prior to having my stop at Spring Espresso!) and I stumbled across the Teddy Bear statue outside of the store Stonegate Teddybears – which led me to seeing it had a tea room.

Teddy Bear Tea Room Interior York

I do a lot of english cream teas and dessert and teas – but this had to be the quaintest tea experience I have ever had. The tea rooms are located above the Teddy Bear Store, and are completely quirky. You have to walk upstairs and once up on each floor – the rooms veer off into little rooms which make it a really lovely, quiet and charming experience.

I usually have a cream tea, but on this occasion i had some strawberry tea (which was really delicious!) and a slice of raspberry cake which was also really good. The menu options were hearty and made to order. It was the perfect little pit spot on my tour of York.

Teddy Bear Tea Room Menu

The Teddy Bear Cafe is located at 13 Stonegate, York. 

The Punch Bowl

The Punch Bowl York Interior

After a whole day of walking around, my tired feet didn’t feel like venturing too far from my accommodation. But it was good – because I really felt like a curry.

I walked around the local area of my accommodation near Micklegate, and found myself liking the look of The Punch Bowl which has been standing right here in York since the 1770s. There are a few pubs called The Punch Bowl in York, but they are all separate. This location is run under the Wetherspoons’s umbrella. It was full of people – many who appeared to look local, so it seemed like a great choice and the food looked good.

The Punch Bowl York UK

The Punch Bowl has quite a few deals – and since it was Thursday I was able to score a Curry (I went for the Chicken Tikka Masala) with a cider for £7.49. What a deal! The food was really good and I wasn’t left hungry. Many others were eating this too!

The Punch Bowl is located at 5-9 Blossom St, York

Where To Stay In York

Middletons Hotel

Middletons Hotel York

Prior to my visit, I wasn’t sure where to stay – all I knew was I needed it to be as reflective of the city of York as I could fine – so I could fully immerse myself into the whole vibe of the city.

Thankfully, I found everything I needed and more at Middletons Hotel. Located in one of the best areas of York – Middletons is central to everything, it’s upscale in feeling, but still budget friendly.

My room was truly darling – the garden out the window was charming. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom modern. I loved all of the furnishings. and I will definitely be staying here again on my next visit.

Middletons Hotel York

Middletons Hotel is located at Cromwell road, York.

An Ideal Tour Of York

There you have it. Hopefully this little snapshot has inspired you to include York in your visit to the UK. I will most definitely be back – as one day was just not long enough. This city is just amazing.

Pin This For Your Next York Tour!

A york tour with the york pass

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]]> https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/york-tours-with-york-pass-review/feed/ 0 6666 Best Travel Card For Australian Travelers – Preloaded, Debit, Credit & Cash https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/which-travel-card-is-best-for-international-holidays-for-aussies/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/which-travel-card-is-best-for-international-holidays-for-aussies/#comments Sun, 19 Aug 2018 11:33:41 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=6756 This article was updated on November 6th, 2019 – all rates and information mentioned is correct as of November 1st, 2019 when this information was sourced to ensure 100% accuracy in my up-to-date recommendations.   Travel money cards are a real headache – there are fees to watch, currency conversions to understand and then there is […]

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This article was updated on November 6th, 2019 – all rates and information mentioned is correct as of November 1st, 2019 when this information was sourced to ensure 100% accuracy in my up-to-date recommendations.  

Travel money cards are a real headache – there are fees to watch, currency conversions to understand and then there is the question of how much cash you take overseas? Or do you take a travel credit card or debit card – one without international transaction fees, for your next vacation?

I have been both traveling and living overseas off and on for over a decade now. I have used so many of these different options – so you can trust in my insights over a lot of what is out there. Now you don’t have to follow what I advise, but I hope I can help you make decisions that are the best offering for you, and highlight the ones that may not be very good – even when others rave about them as being great, or something seems “easier” because you already bank with that company. The best rates get you the best bang for your buck. Airline points on foreign purchases are rarely as value for money as they proclaim to be – bonus points for bulk conversions are really the only time it is worth even considering.

Ultimately, pre-loading money onto a travel card is not the only option you have these days. This industry is far more competitive now in offering people the best deals and that is great for those needing currency for their holidays. But what are the best currency card options for Australians that you should consider when buying your travel currency? Read on about all the travel cards – pre-paid, debit and credit cards – and also buying cash – and which ones I rate over others. There are some real bad options out there! Ideally, you want the best rate in comparison to the live market rates.

If you’re traveling to the USA or Canada soon – be sure to join my community USA & Canada Travel Planning so you can gain more tips just like this. It is full of American locals, seasoned travelers, travel bloggers and people who know the USA and Canada well.

What Are The Best Travel Currency Cards To Use?

Pre-Loaded Cards, Debit Cards Or Credit Cards?

It’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed with trying to find the best travel money cards out there, because there is so much on offer. All Aussie travelers want is a fair product and the best rates.

Since 2008, things have become far more competitive, which is why I have used different prepaid travel cards, debit cards and credit cards in Australia since I started traveling over a decade ago. Because of this, I have worked out which travel currency cards are the best in 2019 for Aussie’s wanting to travel overseas – particularly if you want to take a pre-loaded travel card with funds; or wish to use a debit or credit card which doesn’t charge you the end of the earth to use and access your own money!

This guide is written from an Australian traveler’s perspective because I am Australian, my cards are based in Australia and we really do have some of the best options available globally. I have lived in the UK and Canada and had to convert money over there when I was paid in the local currency. Let me tell you – we have far better deals here, which should also highlight to you NOT to convert money overseas, in airports or at foreign banks. You will LOSE so much. Work out what you are doing before you go – and don’t leave it too late.

What To Remember About Using Any Currency On Your Vacation

Always have a BACKUP currency option.

Picture this: Your travel card is skimmed and you lose all or most of your money. Or you lose your debit/credit card, or maybe it has been stolen. Maybe you put your cash in your checked luggage – and it has been stolen after you checked your bag in (yes, people actually have done this, and have been robbed). Or maybe you have a pre-paid card or fee free debit card which doesn’t work for some reason. Or your credit card is temporarily blocked by your bank for suspicious activity. No matter what the case, you must travel with a backup option – do not take just cash. Things happen to all of us! Do not take just one card. Err on the side of caution. Have a few options to fall back on, so you have money while you are away – and can deal with it later if need be.

You should ALWAYS travel with the following currency options:

*Cash ($1000 – no more) – If you were robbed or lost your cash, limiting the amount you carry is vital. Use ATMs if you need more. For the US, make sure you hold on to your $1 notes so you can use these for tipping.

*A fee free credit card with at least $5000 available in your home currency (to ensure you have enough on there when converting) – This card can be your backup that you only use in emergencies if need be. But a credit card is a great backup if you have nothing else. But, always pay the minimum off BEFORE the month is over to avoid those high fees. I use the 28 Degrees Mastercard.

*A pre-loaded card or fee free debit card that has no international transaction fees or ATM fees ideally. For pre-paid cards I would use Citibank Global Currency, Transferwise or Travel Money Oz, for fee free debit though I have both the Citibank and ING debit cards. Best cards ever.

*Optional – Take a separate credit/debit card just for hotel and car hire holds (which usually remain pending, they don’t usually go through as a transaction). The reason I say to use an additional card for this ensures you can keep track of what you are spending without getting confused with different pending transactions taking your money.

Do not use a pre-loaded card for holds as you will end up going home with money on your card (which you can transfer back to AUD) once your pending transactions are actually cancelled and returned and you get the money back as being “available” on your card. Avoid that headache altogether. I learnt that one the hard way!

For the complete low down on the cards I travel with, how I get cash and the like – please read this article which sums up everything I take with me before any overseas trip.

Pre-Loaded Travel Card Options For Australian Travelers

Pre-loaded cards are a great option, because you can lock in your currency and know how much you have to play with. If you are taking a very long holiday, sometimes this is a necessary option for most of your money so you know what you have. There are a number of options out there for Australian travelers to consider when shopping for the best pre-paid travel card. However, you really need to crunch the numbers and ask yourself “is this a good deal?” in comparison to other pre-loaded cards and of course, all other currency options at your disposal.

Questions To Ask When Purchasing A Pre-Paid Travel Card

*What rate will I be able to get? And is this the best they will offer?

*What fees are involved – ATM fees, card purchase fee, cash loading fees etc.

*What is the daily limit I can spend on this card? – how does it differ to a fee free debit card’s limit?

*How much money should I put on the card? – I budget to have $100 in the local currency, per person, per day. $80 if you get free breakfast, or will be driving a lot that day, and eating less/seeing less attractions.

*What do I do if I lose the cards and/or I get robbed? How do I access my money if something happens? Do any of the cards have a Western Union or Moneygram option so you can receive money somehow? Or are they a global institution with branches in different countries that you can visit? Do I get more than one card?

*Is my name printed on the card? – Some companies can offer you this if you do it early enough. It’s recommended to have a name on your card for extra ID protection.

*How much money do I need to take? – Is putting all my currency on this one card the best option for me? Do I have a BACKUP option? Or more than one to be safe?

*Do I plan to use the card at hotels and restaurants? Pre-loaded cards can encounter holds when checking in, paying for a meal (prior to the tip being added to your bill) and so forth. You need to ensure you have enough funds on top of all these “holds” to pay for what you do buy until that money is returned to your card.

Some places will not accept pre-loaded cards. Especially if your name is not on it – though I have never been knocked back from using one. Hire car companies and hotels may or may not accept these cards for holds as they only have a set amount on them – but you should never use these cards for holds anyway, as the money they temporarily “take” will be returned to you after a number of days or even weeks after you “purchase” something – which makes the whole point of pre-loading cash before you go, a real waste of time. If you’re due back home within 2 weeks of these transactions occuring, you will likely come back with money still on your card because of these holds. How do you pay for things when money you thought you would have for accommodation or food…you may not be able to actually access over there?

IF YOU’RE TRAVELING TO THE USA OR CANADA:

When eating at a restaurant – if you pay for your meal with a pre-loaded card in the US or Canada, the server will swipe your card first with a “hold” and have you sign the receipt to leave a tip. If you write a tip on the receipt – your bill total will change and the server will re-swipe your card to add the tip to it – which creates a second transaction. So if your total doesn’t change you won’t have any issues. But it is customary to tip 15-20% (read more about tipping here).You should leave a cash tip if using a pre-paid card like this to avoid incurring these temporary “hold” transactions. This way the only transactions you have going on these cards are ones which immediately go through. Or use a fee free credit card for these meals so you don’t have to worry about multiple transactions – or just pay in cash. Whatever you do, just don’t pay for tips or restaurant meals using a pre-loaded card if you want access to all of your money, all of the time.

In case this still confuses you – here are examples of how pre-loaded cards can go wrong. 

The time a “hold” temporarily took some of our money

Back when I first started traveling, my family and I went to Vegas and used our pre-loaded card when checking in as we were paying for the accommodation with this card. This was back before we knew better. We had $5000 USD on the card. But the hotel only put a hold on the card which was around $1200 and then we were charged the hotel stay of about $1000 upon checking out. That hold amount of $1200 was inaccessible for about a week until it was returned to the card, which was very annoying and had it only been a 2 week trip – we would have been unable to access $1200 USD of our own money because it wasn’t on our card as ‘available’. All we had access to was the remaining $2500, even though we really had about $3700 actually on this card. These are things we don’t always think about. So don’t get caught in that trap. We learnt our lesson pretty quickly there. It can be problematic if you are using this pre-paid card for your accommodation.

The time an ATM didn’t disperse our $500 USD cash

Another time, we used an ATM at a hotel in Florida, and our $500 USD did not come out of the machine! Luckily it was 8 hours before we had to fly to our next city and hotel staff called a technician who counted the money and saw that our cash hadn’t come out. But it was very stressful not knowing. If you use a pre loaded travel card though and this kind of thing happens – how do you prove the money never came out if you’re on your own? And how will you get that money back? A proper debit card is therefore more desirable in these cases. But, don’t withdraw large amounts ever. Thankfully, we were at our hotel and someone could help us to get our money back! Now, I only use bank ATMs where staff are on site in case it happens again.

The following pre loaded travel cards are the ones I will be looking at for the purpose of this article:

  1. ANZ Travel Card
  2. Australia Post Cash Passport
  3. Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card
  4. Foreign Xchange
  5. HSBC Global Account Card
  6. Qantas Travel Card
  7. Mastercard Cash Passport Platinum Card
  8. NAB Travel Money Card
  9. Transferwise Debit Card (Linked To Borderless Account) *Can Be Used As Debit Card Too
  10. Travel Money Oz Currency Pass
  11. Travelex Money Card
  12. Velocity Global Wallet
  13. Westpac Global Currency Card

If these companies offer an option to purchase cash, I have added that information on an additional table as well.

How Do These Cards Compare To Each Other When Pre-Loading?

This is the big question – what travel card do you buy to ensure that you are getting the BEST deal?

Here is where data matters and can help you make that judgement.

Bear in mind that there are a few cards listed here that I cannot give you data on. Why? Because they don’t list their rates. So their information won’t be included in the tables for each currency. But, I will still give you a run-down of each card so you know they are available to use should you want to. I personally don’t like when companies aren’t flexible in offering their rates to the public – even if they have a fee added that we won’t see unless we are customers. It makes me use others that do.

Important Information About Converting Currency To A Pre Loaded Travel Card

Before I start any comparison, it’s important to remember what the live market rates actually are so you know what value you’re really getting. Do note that things can change. It will rise and fall – so strike while the iron is hot if this is a concern to you. But based on when I first wrote this article, over the past year, the USD has sat around 68-72 cents per dollar, and it has been consistent so the rates are not dipping at all. They are fluctuating, which is very normal.

This information is my analysis of what I see being the best value pre-loaded travel card options right now in November 2019 – which I have been consistently watching. So although the rates here may differ to today’s actual rates – the analysis for which travel cards are good or bad will relatively be the same 99% of the time. Bear in mind that new travel cards can appear on the market, and travel cards with horrible rates can choose to become more competitive. Research is the key like anything. But these are the main players people will use. I will always endeavour to update this data – so be sure to bookmark this article and check back anytime you plan to travel abroad. Or if you find out about something I haven’t covered here, let me know and I can aim to put it in as well.

It will ultimately be up to you to investigate whether the options listed below are the best for you. But really factor in the rate you’re getting and the incentives being offered on top of this when deciding.

Live Currency Conversion Rates Against the AUD

The following rates were the standard live market rates offered on the afternoon of July 28th, 2019 against the Australian Dollar (AUD) as provided by XE – Foreign Exchange Company – which is my go to website/ app that I use for checking live currency rates. Download it immediately – it’s a livesaver!

Each of the below 8 currencies will be analyzed to ensure a broad analysis is occurring for global travelers – not just the major ones like the USD. These are the currencies which Australians are most known to buy, which is why I am looking at these predominately.

Currencies

  1. United States Dollar (USD) – 0.6823
  2. Canadian Dollar (CAD) – 0.8920
  3. Pound Sterling (GBP) – 0.5314
  4. Euro (EUR) – 0.6151
  5. New Zealand Dollar (NZD) – 1.0748
  6. Thailand Baht (THB) – 20.6165
  7. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) – 9,572.22

AUD To USD For Pre-Paid Travel Cards

The Verdict

The Live Rate for USD is 0.6912, the cards which come the closest to this rate are the Citibank’s Global Currency Account, Travellex and Transferwise.

If you are converting $1,000 AUD with the Citibank card, it would mean an extra $4.00 USD in your pocket which adds up if you were to convert $10,000 AUD, making you $60 USD better off with the Citibank card, than Travellex – it’s closest competitor.

Travel Money Oz and Foreign Xchange offer “price beat guarantees” on their rates which means they will match all of the rates that sit above them in that table, so technically they sit at #1 too. These are companies you can look at in getting even better rates than what is being advertised. I use Travel Money Oz a lot, particularly for getting cash. Do bear in mind that Travellex have free ATM withdrawals on most ATMs, but Travel Money Oz do not. Foreign Xchange is an Australian company based out of Adelaide – but they don’t have as many locations as Travel Money Oz so you will have to receive your card via the post if you go with them if you don’t live in Adelaide. But at least they are a competitive option for Aussies.

One card many aren’t aware of, but belongs to a company many expat Aussies – and other nationalities use – to transfer money from their Australian bank account, to their local currency is Transferwise. I have used them since 2013 when I lived overseas, and now they have finally launched their debit card (in correspondence with their Borderless bank accounts) in Australia which I can use to lock in money – and hold specific multiple currencies or use as a fee free debit card (which will convert from the best currency you have stored on the card.) Transferwise technically come in at 3rd place when it comes to converting $100, $1000 and $10,000. However, this is only because they have a slight fee – which the more you convert the less you pay. Transferwise actually end up in #1 spot above everyone, if you add the fees you are charged back into what you spend, because of the rate you get. These fees are currently $2.35 AUD per $100, $6.59 AUD per $1000 and $48.89 AUD for $10,000. So if you were to convert $102.35 AUD, instead of $100 AUD – you actually get almost level to the LIVE market rate from them. If you crunch the numbers, even with the fees added, Transferwise still comes in ABOVE everyone else. But as my data is based on converting $100 not $102 AUD, that is why they don’t sit at #1. I can’t fault them at all. Such great value for money – especially now we have access to their debit card, and can actually “lock in” funds rather than relying on debit cards to gain the best rates. If Transferwise is too “high tech” for you, stick with the Citibank Global Card when pre-loading.

There are still losses with pretty much all of the pre-loaded travel cards, which the table highlights. Make sure you scroll across to see all columns If if you are looking at this on a mobile device. If you were to convert $10,000 AUD for your holiday, Citibank will still lead you to a $120 USD loss in conversion compared to the live market rate. However, NAB’s Travel Card has a loss of $389 USD for the same $10,000 conversion and Qantas’s Travel Money Card, which many Aussies love is not a great deal either with a loss of $302 USD off market rate! So as you can see, the rates do matter because that alone is a $182 USD difference to Citibank’s offering! Before deciding, check what the free incentives are for the cards, as well as the rates on offer. Also bear in mind that PRICES CHANGE. Some cards can improve and be better as the year progresses. But just because you get Qantas or Velocity points with a conversion, doesn’t mean you actually gain much. Only use these cards if a decent bonus of a few thousand points, plus what they usually offer per $1 spent is being offered to you. Otherwise it is not worth it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: When it comes to the USA, your money will go further there than in Australia. Most good meals are priced at $15-20 or less – and the meals are huge – often they can be shared or taken home. A lot of people say the meals aren’t big, but it means that they haven’t found the non-touristy places. Local eateries will serve proper portions. You can find them! Don’t forget to tip around 15 – 20% or more if you have good service. Convenience stores don’t price gouge like they do in Australia – so you can find snacks and drinks for $1-2 (and pay by card for them!), or just hit up a Walmart if you’re on a roadtrip or need small meals or snacks. Even theme parks aren’t too expensive with food and snacks compared to what I am used to back home. You may pay more with the dollar dropping below the great rates we once had; but honestly, it still takes you really far – even if you’re on a budget. I really don’t understand why people worry so much about the rate dipping when this is the reality I have when I travel there. If you are unsure about Tipping – please click here to read everything you need to know about it for hotels, airports, restaurants and so forth. It’s very comprehensive!

AUD To USD For Converting Cash

 

The Verdict

When it comes to cash – the live rate of 0.6912 still applies. However, most companies have different rates for cash than what they offer with cards. Only two offer the same rates regardless of if it is card or cash, Commonwealth Bank and ANZ. 

When it comes to cash rates – almost all of the companies who offer cash in USD, offer higher rates for cash than if you were to load money on their pre-loaded card. While the differences are relatively minor on whether cash or card is the better option, if you are looking to convert some cash with a company then Travel Money Oz and Foreign Xchange are again the ones to use – and they offer price beat guarantees. Followed next by Travellex. If you are trying to decide on if you should pre-load money or take cash, look at the rates between each company and see who you can get a better deal from. As most companies offer better cash rates, if you go in store and want a mixture of cash and card, it is possible that they will give you the best rate for both if they are known to price match. But always make sure you are getting the best rate for whatever currency type you are wanting. If the pre-loaded card rates are better than cash – make a decision on which is better to buy at the time, or wait it out – but don’t buy too much cash, unless you plan to pay for a few hotels/tours right at the start of your trip and can get rid of it.

To put it in perspective – if you spend $1,000 AUD with Travel Money Oz, you would get $669.50 USD if pre-loading their card. But if you bought $1,000 AUD in cash – you would get $675.10 USD. So in this instance, converting in CASH is the better deal for Travel Money Oz – and I would also price beat the Citibank pre-load rate with them to get a minimum of $679.20 USD for my $1000 AUD conversion. Also note – if you’re planning to travel to Canada, make sure you check the rates below for that – there are some massive losses – and you really want a card that gives you the best rate for both if you are pre-loading currency.

I recommend taking no more than $1000 USD if you are traveling for 2-4 weeks to cover tips along the way. When purchasing cash currency, be sure to ask for a mixture of denominations – $1 bills, $5 bills, $10 bills and $20 bills. When traveling in the US, make sure you hold on to your $1 bills. They are what you will tip with most, followed by $5 bills.

AUD To CAD For Pre-Loaded Travel Cards

The Verdict

With a Live rate of 0.911345 – the best value options that convert against the CAD for pre-loaded travel cards remains Citibank (of course –  given their rates on USD) followed by ANZ and Westpac. However, because Foreign Xchange and Travel Money Oz price beat guarantee (and the others do not), this gives them both an edge over Citibank because they will always BEAT their rates if you go in to match them. Luckily for us, the CAD is one of the closest currencies dollar for dollar that we can buy. Which helps because some Canadian cities are expensive! (I used to live in Vancouver, and simple things like a block of cheese, spices like Mixed Herbs and the like were more than TRIPLE the price we pay in Australia!) I am not even joking!

There are still losses with every one of the pre-paid travel cards which the table highlights. (Make sure you scroll across to see all columns If if you are looking at this on a mobile.) If you were to convert $10,000 AUD, Citibank will still lead you to a $154 CAD loss in conversion compared to the live market rate. However, NAB which comes in even further down has a $691 CAD loss for the same $10,000 conversion! That is truly ridiculous! So as you can see, the rates really do matter  when it comes to converting AUD to CAD because that alone is a $537 CAD difference – based solely on the rates offered by each card! Before deciding, check what the free incentives are for the cards as well, especially if the rates are close.

For most currency options, the USD is the most competitive so currencies like the CAD really do take a back seat to the more competitive rates offered against the USD. But, it is still within 10 cents of our dollar so your money will go far in Canada when converting from AUD – depending on what you purchase. For me? I cannot understand why anyone would use any card on this list to pre-load with unless it is the Citibank Global CardTravel Money Oz or Transferwise. 

As stated above in the USD section, Transferwise is a real solid option for converting CAD and using their borderless account and debit card when traveling there. Transferwise is what I used when I lived in Canada, however, there wasn’t a debit card with the account – and now there is!

AUD To CAD For Converting Cash

 

The Verdict

When it comes to cash, the CAD has some MASSIVE losses in comparison to the USD.

 

Visa & Mastercard Currency Conversion Rates

Once you see what the live market rates are for converting AUD currency, you now need to look at what the VISA and MASTERCARD rates are in comparison to this live rate – as most debit, credit and pre-paid cards will use one of these rates as a baseline for how much their card holders will be charged in AUD. The Visa and Mastercard rates are almost what the live rates are, with a little margin of difference – but not much off them as you will see below. So, the closest you can get to the live rate the better off you are.

On the afternoon of June 11th, 2019 the Visa currency rates (with 0% fees)  and the Mastercard currency rates (with 0% fees) were:

VISA

USD: 0.702430; CAD: 0.929679; GBP: 0.552396; EURO: 0.620383; NZD: 1.054403; IDR: 9,885.299; THB: 21.616036.

MASTERCARD

USD: 0.700777; CAD: 0.92828; GBP: 0.550358; EURO: 0.618965; NZD: 1.05312; IDR: 9,867.5241; THB: 21.566225

Which is the best value company to have a pre-paid card or debit/credit card with? It changes. When I checked it last week Mastercard had the better rate. But when I officially took my data down for this article, Visa had the better rates by a fraction – that it’s often too close to call between them. Everything changes daily. It really doesn’t matter which one you use as both offer the best baseline rates anyway. As the VISA and MASTERCARD rates are somewhat “locked in” per day, it can often mean that their rates may appear to be “better” than the XE LIVE RATE. However, when the rates were locked in, the XE RATE was actually a little higher than what they both offered at the time – which is why sometimes you appear to “gain” rather than lose on these rates for these examples.

 

AUD To GBP For Pre-Paid Travel Cards

 

The Verdict

With a Live rate of 0.547554 – the best value options that convert against the GBP for pre-paid travel cards remains Travellex followed by Westpac and Foreign Xchange. However, because Foreign Xchange and Travel Money Oz price beat guarantee (and the others do not), this gives them both an edge over Travellex because they will always BEAT their rates. The GBP is not kind and never has been – it is expensive to travel to the UK so I would suggest purchasing as much as possible in AUD as possible, or use a fee free credit card or debit card when booking accommodation, flights and trains.

There are still losses with every one of the pre-paid travel cards which the table highlights. (Make sure you scroll across to see all columns If if you are looking at this on a mobile.) If you were to convert $10,000 AUD, Travelex will still lead you to a 178 GBP loss in conversion compared to the live market rate. However, Australia Post which comes in even further down has a 338 GBP loss for the same $10,000 conversion! That is huge! So as you can see, the rates really do matter when it comes to converting AUD to GBP because that alone is a 160 GBP difference – which is almost double the AUD figures. Before deciding, check what the free incentives are for the cards, as well as the rates on offer.

For most currency options, the USD is the most competitive so currencies like the GBP really do take a back seat to the more competitive rates offered against the USD. Considering the GBP is almost 50% to the AUD, getting the best rate is the most important option for those converting this currency.

 

The Pros & Cons Of Pre-Paid Travel Cards

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

Commonwealth Bank Travel Card

The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is a fair option for those who have loyalty for Commonwealth Bank. But given it is a big 4, Commonwealth Bank don’t offer the best rates or options for travelers compared to others – they are among one of the worst for their conversions!

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free travel money card (if you order it online in Netbank). It will cost $15 AUD if you purchase it at a branch.

-Load up to 13 currencies on the one card at a locked in rate. The amount you have listed in your account, is the amount you have access to.

$0 reload fee which can be made through Netbank or the Commbank App – The CommBank Retail Foreign Exchange Rate is used for all currency conversions.

-No international transaction fees when using the card – the rate is locked in.

-Currency can be loaded via direct transfer (Netbank/ Comm bank App), BPAY, in branch or by phone.

-SMS alerts are free. You need to opt in to receive them though.

FEES

There are not many fees associated with this card except:

-When a purchase or ATM withdrawal is conducted in a currency that is not loaded on the card, or when a transfer of funds between the currencies on your card takes place; the purchase will be based on the rate set by either Mastercard or Visa (depending on which one your card is) plus 5.75%.

ATM fees are based on the currency you’re using (per transaction):

USD 2.50 – GBP 2.00 – EUR 2.20 – NZD 3.50 – CAD 3.00

ANZ Travel Card

ANZ Travel Money Card

The ANZ Travel Card is another fair option for those who have loyalty for ANZ. But again, given it is a big 4, ANZ don’t offer the best rates or options for travelers compared to others either – though they certainly are one of the better options if buying through a bank!

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Visa travel card whether you order online (takes 5 business days) or at a branch.

-Load up to 10 currencies on the one card at a locked in rate. The amount you have listed in your account, is the amount you have access to.

$0 reload fee which can be made online or through the ANZ App – ANZ use their rate for all currency conversions based off the current live rates.

-No international transaction fees when using the card – the rate is locked in.

-Currency can be loaded via direct transfer, BPAY, in branch or by phone. (BPAY rate is confirmed once the money has been received – which can take 3 days.)

-They do offer Cash Packs – should you want smaller notes before you go in cash. Exchange rates for foreign cash look to be same as the travel card rates.

FEES

There are not many fees associated with this card except:

-SMS alerts are 0.35 cents.

-When a purchase or ATM withdrawal is conducted in a currency that is not loaded on the card, or when a transfer of funds between the currencies on your card takes place; the purchase will be based on the rate set by Visa, plus 4%.

ATM fees are based on the currency you’re using (per transaction):

USD 2.50 – GBP 2.00 – EUR 2.20 – NZD 4.50 – CAD 3.00

NAB Traveller Card

NAB Travel Card

NAB are another of the big 4 bank options. It is on par with the others, but does have some fee free options which helps its desirability.

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Mastercard travel card whether you order online or at a branch.

-Load up to 10 currencies on the one card at a locked in rate. The amount you have listed in your account, is the amount you have access to.

$0 reload fee which can be made online or through the NAB App – NAB use their rate for all currency conversions based off the current live rates.

-No international transaction fees when using the card – the rate is locked in. No ATM fees for international withdrawals.

-Currency can be loaded via direct transfer, BPAY, in branch or by phone. (BPAY rate is confirmed once the money has been received – which can take 3 days.)

FEES

-When a purchase or ATM withdrawal is conducted in a currency that is not loaded on the card, or when a transfer of funds between the currencies on your card takes place; the purchase will be based on the rate set by Mastercard, plus 4%.

ATM fees – there are none. But, if an ATM charges a fee for use overseas – then you may not be exempt from these fees (even though your card has no ATM fees).

Westpac Global Currency Card

Westpac Travel Money Card

The Westpac Global Currency Card is the last of the big 4 banks to be analyzed. Like the other big 4’s, it’s a standard option but still on par with what the other 3 offer.

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Visa travel card when you order online.

-Load up to 5 currencies on the one card at a locked in rate. The amount you have listed in your account, is the amount you have access to.

$0 reload fee – Westpac use their rate for all currency conversions based off the current live rates.

-No international transaction fees when using the card – the rate is locked in.

-Currency can be loaded via the Westpac Live Online Banking, direct transfer and BPAY.

FEES

-When a purchase or ATM withdrawal is conducted in a currency that is not loaded on the card, or when a transfer of funds between the currencies on your card takes place; the purchase will be based on the rate set by Mastercard, plus 3% of the total transaction.

ATM fees –  (including balance inquiries)

– USD 2.00 – GBP 1.50 – EUR 2.00 – NZD 3.00 – CAD 2.50

Travellex Money Card

Travellex Travel Card

Unlike the big 4, Travellex offer a great alternative to travelers wanting a pre-loaded card – with some of the most competitive rates around.

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Mastercard travel card (online or in store).

-Load up to 10 currencies on the one card at a locked in rate with the Travellex Money Card. The amount you have listed in your account, is the amount you have access to.

$0 reload fee for all international currencies which can be made online or in store. Fees apply for AUD reloads. – Travellex use their rate for all currency conversions based off the current live rates.

-No international transaction fees when using the card – the rate is locked in. No ATM fees at Travellex ATM’s and most ATM’s- unless operators charge their own. Fees apply for AUD withdrawals in Australia.

FEES

-Additional Card $5.00 AUD.

-When a purchase or ATM withdrawal is conducted in a currency that is not loaded on the card, or when a transfer of funds between the currencies on your card takes place; the fee will be based on the rate set by Mastercard, plus 2.95% of the total transaction.

-Inactivity fee after 12 months of no use – unless closed is $4 AUD a month.

$10 AUD to close account and cash it out.

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Travel Money Oz Travel Card

Travel Money Oz, is the main competitor against Travellex. They too offer a great alternative to travelers wanting a pre-loaded card – with competitive rates. However, Travel Money Oz will PRICE BEAT any advertised rate – as long as you show proof of the day’s rate. I use them when converting currency – as I know I will always get the best price available in Australia.

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Mastercard travel card (online or in store).

-Load up to 10 currencies on the one card at a locked in rate with the Travel Money Oz Cash Passport. The amount you have listed in your account, is the amount you have access to.

$0 reload fee when reloading in store or via direct transfer. Fees apply for BPAY, debit and credit re-loads. Travel Money Oz use their rate for all currency conversions based off the current live rates. They do PRICE BEAT.

-No international transaction fees when using the card – the rate is locked in.

FEES

-When a purchase or ATM withdrawal is conducted in a currency that is not loaded on the card, or when a transfer of funds between the currencies on your card takes place; the fee will be based on the rate set by Mastercard.

ATM fees –

– USD 2.50 – GBP 2.00 – EUR 2.50 – NZD 3.50 – CAD 3.50

$10 AUD to close account and cash it out.

Qantas Cash

Qantas Cash Travel Card

When it comes to points, Qantas Cash allows Qantas Frequent Flyers to build points with their transactions. The rate earned varies if you are purchasing internationally (1.5 points per dollar) or domestically (4 points per dollar) – only with approved transactions. However, the rates on this card are still in line with the big 4 – so points aside it’s rates are not very competitive overall – which is a worry since many Aussies are using this card. Please do your research – most airlines offer sub par rates for conversion. There is better out there! But if you are wanting to build points, and don’t care about the rates being 3-4 cents lower than many of the rest, then this card is more than fine to use.

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Mastercard travel card (online application only).

-Load up to 11 currencies on the one card at a locked in rate with the Qantas Cash card. The amount you have listed in your account, is the amount you have access to.

$0 reload fee when reloading via direct transfer or BPAY. Qantas Cash use their rate for all currency conversions based off the current live rates.

-No international transaction fees when using the card – the rate is locked in.

FEES

-Instant cash reloads incur a 0.5% fee of total transaction.

-Direct Debit reloads incur a 0.5% fee of total transaction.

-When a purchase or ATM withdrawal is conducted in a currency that is not loaded on the card, or when a transfer of funds between the currencies on your card takes place; the fee will be based on the rate set by Mastercard.

ATM fees –

– USD 1.95 – GBP 1.25 – EUR 1.50 – NZD 2.50 – CAD 2.00

What Debit / Credit Cards Are Best For Travel?

Pre-loaded cards are not the only option out there.

I will also be focusing on the following DEBIT/ CREDIT card offerings – the ones which you do not pre-load but take from your Australian bank account – cards that I have and ACTUALLY USE.

To some, this is a risky move. Why? Because there is nothing locked in and the rate can dip – but it can also go up. What is important to remember here is that these cards follow either the Visa or Mastercard rates – which upon review were practically the same as the LIVE rates.

Thus, if there is a 4 cent difference with USD for purchasing currency on a pre-loaded card – any dip that happens before you head away won’t actually matter as much as people think, even if its as much as 3-4 cents because you will still get the live rate – or as close to it as possible which is still 4 cents more than the best pre-loaded rate. If the Aussie dollar starts dramatically falling, then of course buy something as you notice it. But don’t stress about it too much. Just make sure you are getting the best rate on the day if you do pre-load. Based on our economy, it is good for us for the dollar to drop to strengthen our own tourism sector and value – so please don’t get too disheartened by dips in the rate. Your money will go much farther overseas in most cases than it will in Australia anyway.

But if you are ok with trusting the market, and prefer to get the BEST rate possibly available to you in Australia – then these options will be the best options overall for ALL travel cards – even better than pre-loaded cards.

So which debit/credit cards ones are worth considering?

Debit/ Credit Cards That Are Best For International Travel

-28 Degrees Mastercard

-Citibank Everyday Debit / Credit Card

-Bankwest Platinum Credit Card

-ING Debit /Credit Cards

-HSBC Everyday Global Account (Debit card – but you can also pre-load on the same card with currency.)

28 Degrees Mastercard

28 Degrees Mastercard Travel Card

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Mastercard when you order online.

-No annual fees

-No international transaction fees

-55 days interest free

$6000 AUD minimum credit

INCLUSIONS

-Free worldwide card replacement 

-Free Global Wifi through Boingo hotspots worldwide

FEES

There are not many fees associated with this card except:

21.99% interest rate on purchases.

21.99% interest rate on cash advances.

-Payment service fees $2.50 AUD (in person), $0.95 (BPAY). You can avoid this fee by making your payments via mail, direct debit transfer or via the Online Service Centre.

-Late Fee $20 AUD

-Paper Statement $2.50 AUD

I use this card when I travel. I can vouch for it and I love what it offers me as an international traveler – especially with the Boingo complimentary wifi incentive. 

Citibank Plus Everyday Card

Citibank Everyday Travel Card

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Mastercard when you order online or in person.

-You use your own money.

-No annual fees or monthly fees.

-No international transaction fees

-No ATM fees -Citibank ATM’s are available in many countries. These ATM’s will not charge you a fee to use. But, if an ATM charges a fee for use – then you may not be exempt from these fees (even though your card has no ATM fees).

-Citibank are a global brand – should you need a replacement it will be far easier to get than from an Australian company.

-Citibank Dining Program Offers

-Secure App – uses fingerprint technology to login on your phone.

FEES

There are no fees associated with this card beyond possible ATM fees with some operators.

I do use this card when I travel. I love what it offers me as an international traveler, because I know that the rate I am using is the best rate possible – and it’s my own money! Plus, no fees besides ‘possible’ ATM fees. This is a great backup option, especially if you use the ING card below as your primary card. Why wouldn’t you take both?

ING Orange Everyday Debit Card

ING Orange Everyday Travel Card

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Visa card when you order online.

-You use your own money.

-No annual fees or monthly fees.

-No international transaction fees – if you meet the conditions. Otherwise the rate on purchases are 2.5% of the total.

-NO ATM fees.

FEES

There are not many fees associated with this card but there are conditions of USE.

To quality for a fee-free experience, you must:

Deposit $1000 AUD into the account every 30 days.

-Make 5 transactions with the card per month which are settled – not pending.

-All fees which are waived will still be listed on your transactions within your account – but these fees will then be rebated back into your account as long as you qualify under their terms of use. Please note – that if you do not meet the terms of use for 1 month, you will have to pay fees for that 30 day period; until you can resume a fee-free month the following month.

*If this card is being used as a travel card only, these conditions may not work for you.

Do Note – if you have a home loan with ING – you can qualify for this card – completely fee free (without the need to meet any additional conditions). So if you have a home loan with them – be sure to use this card when traveling.

Additionally to this debit card, there is an ING Orange One Credit Card and Orange One Platinum Card which both offer free fee options – as long as your Orange Everyday Debit account inclusions are met.

The Orange One Card is 11.99% on purchases at 45 days interest free. The Platinum card is 16.99% on purchases at 45 days interest free. So there are a few decent options with ING if you actually bank with them.

I know many people who use this card, and I also use it myself. The rebate option is a money saver – as ING will refund all fees if you meet the requirements. Most other cards are ATM free (if you use their ATM’s) but will still incur an operator fee on top of this. ING is a really strong card, particularly if you bank with them. Strong rates and no fees. Winner!

The Savings Maximiser that they have is also great, with a competitive interest rate so you can build your savings even more. 

Bankwest Platinum Credit Card

Bankwest Platinum Travel Card

Here’s what you get:

FEATURES

-A free Mastercard when you order online or in branch.

-No annual fees

-No international transaction fees

-55 days interest free

FEES

There are not many fees associated with this card except:

17.99% interest rate on purchases.

21.99% interest rate on cash advances.

INCLUSION

-Complimentary travel insurance (terms and conditions apply)

-Contactless travel ring (which you wear on your hand)

The Bankwest Card is a strong contender. No fees, a contactless ring for more secure payment choices, and solid rates based off Mastercard. The complimentary travel insurance is a real incentive for this card too.

HSBC EVERYDAY GLOBAL DEBIT CARD

HSBC Everyday Global Card

Visa

-No ATM, international transaction or account keeping fees. (No ATM fees unless the operator of the ATM you use charges one). There is no minimum deposits for using this card like others have.

-You use your own money at the HSBC conversion rate – but AUD is the controlled or default currency for this card.

-You can pre-load any amount on the card in another currency to lock in that currency for when you visit.

-This card allows for the loading of 10 selected currencies only – which may not work for all travelers that need/ travel using other currencies not included for this card. Other currencies are available for ATM cash withdrawals and purchases with the card, but these funds will be deducted from your AUD account and exchanged into the local currency at the HSBC rate.

-Competitive rates for currency conversion (whether debited or pre-loaded onto the card) –

-USD (2 cents off live Visa rates)
-GBP (2 cents off live Visa rates)
-EUR (2 cents off live Visa rates)
-CAD (3 cents off live Visa rates)
-NZD (3 cents off live Visa rates)

Which Of These Debit /Credit Cards Are The Best Options?

Some things to consider-

The Visa and Mastercard rates per each currency, which highlights that Mastercard is generally a fraction better against Visa – but BOTH are as close to LIVE rates unlike any other card on offer.

How Do They Compare If Their Rates Are Comparable?

28 DEGREES

Mastercard

21.99% at 55 days interest free.

-No ATM, international or account keeping fees.

BONUS – Boingo Complimentary Wifi Hotspot Account.

CITIBANK

Mastercard

-No ATM, international or account keeping fees.

-You use your own money.

-BONUS Citibank Dining Programfree bottle of wine at selected restaurants when using the card.

ING

Visa

-No ATM, international or account keeping fees.

-You use your own money.

-Everyday Debit$1000 AUD deposited in per month. 5 settled transactions to bypass fees.

-CreditOrange One – 11.99% at 45 days interest free. Orange One Platinum – 16.99% at 45 days interest free. Must adhere to conditions of Orange Everyday Card.

BANKWEST

Mastercard

-No ATM, international or account keeping fees.

17.99% at 55 days interest free

Complimentary travel insurance (conditions will apply)

17.99% interest rate on purchases.

21.99% interest rate on cash advances.

HSBC EVERYDAY GLOBAL DEBIT CARD

Visa

-No ATM,international transaction or account keeping fees. (No ATM fees unless the operator of the ATM you use charges one).

-There are no minimum deposits for using this card like others have.

-You use your own money at the Visa market rate. AUD is the controlled or default currency for this card.

-You can pre-load an amount on the card in another currency to lock in that currency.

-Competitive rates for currency conversion.

The Verdict

Based on all of this – and the most valuable incentives for each card, it is really hard to go past the Citibank Everyday Card and the ING Everyday Debit Card as a general debit/travel card option. You use your own money for both.

With Citi – they are a global bank, so if issues arise and you need to visit a branch you can do that. Plus there are no fees for using the card beyond ATM fees at non Citi locations. What separates it from ING’s debit travel card, is that there are no conditions of use. You can use this card whenever you travel – not be forced to use it everyday as a debit card if you bank with someone else.

With ING, I love that you can see the rebates given, and the conditions are not unrealistic. I have switched all my primary banking to ING – including my savings. I love them and what they offer their customers.

The HSBC Everyday Global Card allows users to have an AUD bank account alongside the multiple currencies that can be loaded at quite competitive rates. For ease this is a great option – but it is a few cents off the live Visa rates which allows Citi and ING to still be that more viable option – just.

The 28 degrees Mastercard is the best global travel credit card I have ever found. Thankfully us Aussies have access to it. No matter what card you use as a primary card, make sure you get this card as well. Just make sure you pay it off every month in full to avoid any high interest fees.

How Do These Cards Compare To Pre-Loaded Travel Cards?

Final Thoughts On Travel Cards

Ultimately, what you decide to use is up to you.

But based on this evidence and my strong knowledge of each institution the basics are clear – the big 4 banks are rarely the best options. Sure some have no international transaction fees or ATM fees – but the rates for some currencies are almost eye watering. The only exception to the rule here is ANZ – who are more often than not at least somewhat competitive with their overall rates.

The front runners for pre-loaded cards are Travellex and Travel Money Oz – don’t forget they price beat guarantee!

Regarding debit cards – ING and Citibank offer amazing deals to their customers. As for credit cards – 28 Degrees Mastercard have the best rates, and the most beneficial incentives that travelers would appreciate. If wifi is not a necessity for you – then the Bankwest Credit Card is the next one worth looking at through it’s travel insurance add on.

I truly hope this article has been helpful in at least opening your eyes to what your options are as an Australian traveler. If you are heading to the USA don’t forget to join my travel group here. I share all of this and more there to help people travel in a country I have explored over the past decade.

Do bear in mind information may change between publishing this and when you read it – but overall, things will remain pretty on par with what i’ve written as the trends have not really changed much at all. It will depend on the currency for how competitive companies get.

If you need any further tips be sure to message me or comment below. I am always here to help people if they ask for it!

If you are looking for advice on HOW TO TIP you can find this here

If you are wondering about ESTA’s (visa waiver’s) and general how-tos before you head to the USA, you can find this here

If you’re looking for an engaged, knowledgeable and helpful community to join on Facebook – click here to join my fast-growing US & Canada Travel Group.

Pin This For Your Next Overseas Adventure!

 Best Travel Cards For Aussies

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Healthy Chocolate Cake – No Sugar, No Flour (& Tastes Delicious!) https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/healthy-chocolate-cake-no-flour-no-sugar-tastes-delicious/ https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/healthy-chocolate-cake-no-flour-no-sugar-tastes-delicious/#comments Thu, 02 Aug 2018 13:36:08 +0000 https://www.enchantedserendipity.com/?p=6721 Why I Choose To Eat Healthy Earlier this year, I changed my eating habits – largely because of my 29 year old sister’s diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Facing a no sugar future for her to aid in her treatment; I have been looking for ways to limit and completely reduce the refined sugar intake […]

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Why I Choose To Eat Healthy

Earlier this year, I changed my eating habits – largely because of my 29 year old sister’s diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.

Facing a no sugar future for her to aid in her treatment; I have been looking for ways to limit and completely reduce the refined sugar intake I and anyone who wants to eat better needs to do – which has not been easy. When it comes to baking especially, finding anything that is healthy – low or no sugar, has no white flour etc has not been easy. It’s been really hard as most things taste horrible (for obvious reasons!) But given what we know about sugar – and it’s ability to help cancer cells grow – eating sugar like I had for 33 years was no longer an option.

I tried so many sugar free recipes and honestly most of them were bland or had an aftertaste because of other natural sweeteners – it was like fighting an uphill battle! And I love chocolate cake – so finding a healthy version just seemed impossible.

That is until I started using dates – the most underrated food on this planet.

What Are Dates & Why Should You Use Them In Baking?

Dates are easy to use and not overly expensive. They also last for long periods – so you don’t have to eat them straight away. They are high in sugar – but as they are a fruit, they have natural sugars, rather than refined and are therefore low GI and high in fiber. Blood sugars rise steadily not fast after eating them – a major reason for why diabetics can eat them and why dates are viewed as a naturally healthy option for sweetening many things. As an alternative, I have also been using Stevia or Natvia – which is also a natural sweetener. But, you can definitely taste the aftertaste of Stevia and Natvia – especially in baking, which makes them very hard to eat and enjoy. This is not the case with dates at all.

There are so many positives to eating dates, but more than anything they make things taste great.

I am in no way a nutritionist. I won’t even mention calories or nutritional information within the recipes I post, because to me if you’re cooking from scratch and using ingredients that are deemed unprocessed, unrefined and healthy – you really don’t need to keep track of numbers. No good diet will ever work if that’s what you’re doing anyway. That’s why I love this healthy chocolate cake recipe. It’s full of good ingredients which are what you should be eating if you’re trying to be healthier. And if you need to add chocolate to it – which I do, then stick to being at or above 78% dark chocolate. Anything that has 18g (4.5 teaspoons) or less of sugar per 100g is a good rule of thumb to live by if you’re attempting a sugar free lifestyle.

I make this cake most Sundays and eat it everyday for lunch with strawberries or have it as an after dinner snack instead. Hot tip: this chocolate cake tastes best warmed up for about 20-30 seconds in the microwave when eating it across the week because the chocolate melts a little and it’s just really yummy.

Best of all, my sugar loving friends and family love it too – so I know this one is a winner no matter who is being healthy and who is not. We all eat it.

Healthy Chocolate Cake

Equipment

Food Processor

Square or Rectangle Cake Tin

Spatula

Baking Paper

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray

Ingredients

3/4 cup cashews

3/4 cup of pecans 

1 1/2 cup walnuts

2 tablespoons cocoa 

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 cup of desiccated coconut

2 small ripe bananas

6 un-pitted mejoul dates (I buy mine single, rather than in a packet so i can pick the freshest ones)

1 egg

1/3 cup of milk

*Optional 1 teaspoon Vanilla essence

*Optional 75g 78% dark chocolate (or higher)

Method

Spray your tin lightly with extra virgin olive oil and place the baking paper in the tin. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Place 3/4 cup of cashews, 3/4 cup of walnuts and 3/4 cup of pecans into a food processor. Grind up until it is crushed up into small flour like granules – don’t grind it up too much though or it will become a butter!

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Grind Up Cashews, Walnuts & Pecans

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Nut Flour

Empty the nut flour into a bowl. Place 3/4 cup of walnuts into the food processor and pulse it a few times. Alternatively break the walnuts into smaller pieces and add to the nut flour mixture. This will allow for walnut pieces to be in the cake, sort of like what a brownie mixture has.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Mejoul Dates

Cut open the top, pit the dates (take the pit out) and break the skin into strips then place them into the food processor.  Cut up 2 bananas and place these into the food processor. Mix them until the mixture is a thick paste.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Pitting A Mejoul Date

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Dates and Banana

Add 1 egg, 1/3 cup of milk and vanilla essence to the mixture and blend until mixed through. It will be more liquid in consistency rather than a paste now.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Dates and Banana Mix

Add the coconut, baking powder and cocoa to the flour and walnut mixture and stir through. Add the banana and date mixture to it stirring through until all dry ingredients are mixed in really well.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Dry Ingredients Mixture Cocoa, Coconut, Naking Powder

Spoon half the mixture onto the tray which is lined with baking paper, spreading right to the edges.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Laying The Cake Batter

Optional Step – Break up 3-4 squares of the lindt chcocolate block and place them just into the cake batter so they are siting in it. Carefully spoon the remaining mixture over the top and flatten with a spatula – be careful not to move the chocolate when doing this, or some pieces of cake when you cut it later won’t have any chocolate pieces.

If you don’t add chocolate, just spoon in the whole mixture into the tray. Cook until the mixture is cooked through – test it with a metal skewer or utensil. For me, it’s usually around 25-30 minutes.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Placing Chocolate In Cake Batter

Once cooked, I let it cool down on a wire rack and remove the paper once cool.

You can leave it without a topping, but I melted 2 blocks of the Lindt 78% chocolate and crushed up 1/4 cup of cashews and placed it on top. Make sure you refrigerate the cake so the icing sets.

After it has set, I leave the cake in a cake tin and cut pieces off as I eat it.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - The Final Result

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Plated Up

Usually warmed up – with strawberries.

Healthy Chocolate Cake - Plated Up With Strawberries

YUM!

Let me know below if you make it and how it turned out. I will be making more date recipes in my baking as I try and find more recipes that I like…and are actually edible!

 

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Healthy Chocolate Cake No Sugar

 

 

 

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